06 February 2024

Sheep Improvement Scheme opens to new entrants

New entrants to sheep farming are now invited to apply to Year two of the Sheep Improvement Scheme (SIS). Introduced to enhance animal welfare in the sheep sector, SIS provides financial support to farmers for taking extra steps to improve welfare in their flock.

For the purpose of this scheme, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine defines a new entrant to year two of this scheme as an applicant who has applied for a new flock number within the period from 1 December 2020 to 31 December 2023. Additionally, a new entrant can also be an applicant with an existing flock number who has not held or traded in sheep for a three-year period from 1 December 2020 to 30 November 2023.

Making the announcement, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, TD, said: “This is the second year of the SIS, a scheme supporting animal health and welfare that is building on the progress made by its predecessor, the Sheep Welfare Scheme.

“The annual opening for new entrants that I have facilitated in this scheme demonstrates the continuing commitment of this government to the sheep sector for the coming years. I welcome the opening of the application process for entry to year two of the Sheep Improvement Scheme for qualifying new entrants and encourage them to apply.”

Applications to SIS must be made through Agfood.ie by 5pm on 29 February 2024.

Additional reading:

Part One: Making the most of your Sheep Improvement Scheme tasks

Part Two: Making the most of your Sheep Improvement Scheme tasks