Protein crops fix their own nitrogen, so they also cut fertiliser bills. Claim it on your BISS application.
Quick facts
- Crops
- Beans, peas, lupins, soya
- Protein/cereal mix
- Half rate (at least 50% protein seed)
- Last published estimate
- €500 to €590 a hectare (2023)
- Rate
- Varies each year
- Claim
- On BISS
What it pays
"The Protein Aid Scheme is a payment to farmers for growing beans, peas, and lupins." Soya qualifies too. "The rate of aid payable varies each year."
The Department's most recent published estimate: "The payment rate depends on uptake but is likely to be in the region of €500-€590 per hectare for beans, peas, lupins, and soya in 2023." "The protein/cereal mix crop is expected to be paid at half the full protein crop rate i.e. €250-€270 per hectare."
Protein and cereal mixes
"The Protein/Cereal Mix Crop is a crop that has a seed mix with protein crop seed accounting for at least 50% of the seeding rate and the remainder made up of a cereal seed."
Applying
"You apply for Protein aid as part of the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application." Declare the eligible crops on it.
Common questions
How much is Protein Aid per hectare?
It varies with uptake each year. The Department's last published estimate was €500 to €590 a hectare (2023), with half that for protein/cereal mixes.
Which crops qualify for Protein Aid?
Beans, peas, lupins and soya, plus protein/cereal mixes at half rate.
How do I apply for Protein Aid?
As part of your BISS application.