Over €203m advanced to 107,000 farmers under Eco-Scheme
Minister Martin Heydon has confirmed the start of advance payments totalling over €203 million to nearly 107,000 farmers under the 2026 Eco-Scheme. The scheme incentivises environmentally friendly farming practices across Ireland, maintaining the payment rate of €66 per eligible hectare.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, announced that advance payments for the 2026 Eco-Scheme have begun, distributing €203.1 million to 106,913 farmers nationwide. This initiative rewards farmers for adopting measures that benefit climate, biodiversity, water quality, and the environment. The payment rate remains steady at €66 per eligible hectare, consistent with 2025.
Despite a delay in BISS and CRISS advance payments due to industrial action, now rescheduled from 16 October to 27 October 2026, the Department is committed to delivering all scheme payments efficiently. Nearly 92% of eligible Eco-Scheme applicants have already received their advance payments. The advance payments are issued at 75% of the total amount, a 5% increase compared to previous years, and farmers should expect funds in their accounts shortly.
Minister Heydon urged farmers with outstanding documentation requests or those who applied for Agricultural Practice 3 or 5 to update their closing stocks on the National Fertiliser Database promptly to facilitate payment processing. Queries can be directed to the Direct Payments Helpdesk at 057 8674422 or submitted online via www.MyAgfood.ie. A detailed county-by-county breakdown of payments was also provided, highlighting significant support across all regions.