SEAI grant to provide some much-needed help for farmers

FOLLOWING a great uptake last year, a scheme which offers dairy farmers grant support for the retrofitting of vacuum and milk pumps has been re-launched again for 2018.

The scheme was piloted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) last year and saw great interest amongst the farming community.

The grant is aimed at reducing the costs of one of the biggest users of energy on the farm - the milking parlour.

The scheme is open to all dairy farmers supplying all major cooperatives.

All herd sizes are covered, and both single and three phase electricity is eligible for the grant.

Head of IFAC’s Enniscorthy Office, Ashling Kavanagh says that being energy efficient could be very important, particularly this year where farmers are facing significant challenges.

‘Energy efficiency can and does reduce costs on a farm. In a year like 2018 where costs due to the fodder shortage are rising, any initiative to help reduce cost should be welcomed,’ she said.

‘I believe that farmers need to justify all capital expenditure. Capital investments tie up valuable working capital (cash) on a farm. Therefore all farmers need to examine the “need” and “return” of any capital investment. SEAI have shown through last year’s scheme that the investment in these technologies showed a clear rate of return.’

The scheme is open to all dairy farmers supplying all major cooperatives. For more information, speak to your local IFAC accountant or contact your agri advisor.