Minister McConalogue announces opening of Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures
- Published on: 5 March 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has announced the opening of the 2024 Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Measures.
Launching the measures, Minister McConalogue said:
“Following on from the success of the two previous years programmes, I welcome the reopening of these two measures which will expand on the areas already established. As part of the on-going commitment by this government to support and improve the sustainability of farming, the 2024 budget will be €2.5 million for the measures. A payment rate of up to €300/ha has been retained and will allow for the continuing support in establishing these swards that assist farmers reduce their chemical fertilise usage.”
The Minister continued:
“The establishment of Red Clover Silage and Multi Species Swards create opportunities for farmers to improve the environmental and sustainability of their farming systems. These swards have several positive effects including; helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improving biodiversity and water quality, while contributing to sustainability and productivity of Irish farmers. Research from Teagasc and UCD has shown that multi-species swards reduce dependency on chemical nitrogen while maintaining forage quality and quantity. Teagasc has shown red clover silage can lead to higher animal intake and increased liveweight gains or increased milk and protein yields.”
Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett said:
“The development of Red Clover Silage and Multi Species Swards is hugely positive for farmers. It allows farmers to explore the use of these crops within their farming system and offers real opportunities to reduce the use of inputs. Today’s measures are further evidence of the government’s support for farmers who wish to move to more environmentally sustainable methods of farming. These swards will have a positive impact on greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity and water quality. They also provide a strong economic benefit to farmers are hugely important for the future of Irish farming.”
Concluding, the Minister McConalogue said:
“To simplify the application process in 2024, applications can now be made through the BISS online application system. This enhancement will make it easier than ever to apply for the measures and streamlines the process for both farmers and agents. I am very confident of the continuing interest and support of the initiative from the farming community.”
Notes
How these measures benefit farmers
These measures were introduced to promote environmentally sustainable methods of farming, which have a positive impact on climate emissions, biodiversity and water quality.
Research work carried out on multi-species swards has shown an ability to produce higher dry matter yields from lower nitrogen fertiliser inputs. Red Clover due to its Nitrogen fixing ability produces fodder higher in protein than conventional silage and will assist farmers in reducing their concentrate feed bills.
Payments will be made directly to approved applicants at a rate of up to €300 per hectare for the establishment of these swards. To keep the measures within the available budget, the payment rate per hectare will be reduced as appropriate if eligible applications exceed the available combined budget of €2.5 million for these measures.
How these programmes will operate
Prospective applicants should read the Terms and Conditions published on the following page: Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme.
The application is made under the BISS online application system. To apply, an applicant/their agent needs to log into Agfood.ie and then select “Click on ‘Basic Income Support for Sustainability’, they then select the measure(s) they wish to apply for on the ‘Scheme selection’ page.
On the Lands Details page , an applicant/agent must indicate either of the following crop types.
Multi Species Swards Measure:
- Permanent Pasture (MSS measure) (for reseeding permanent pasture with multi-species sward mixture), or
- Grass Year 1 (MSS measure) (for multi-species sward mixture following an arable crop)
Red Clover Silage Measure:
- Red Clover Silage (RCS Measure)
Under the measures, swards are not permitted to be sown on Commonage land, Natura 2000 sites, NHA designated land, Environmentally Sensitive Permanent Grassland or within archaeological monument buffer zones.
To be eligible under these measures the swards must be sown between 16 July 2023 and 15 July 2024 and established by 30 September 2024.
After application, the applicant will receive notification through the BISS online system to upload on to the BISS system copies of receipts and seed labels and if requested Geo-tagged photos of the established crop.