Farming News

The latest farming news, events and scheme updates from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Forest Windblow Taskforce established
The Taskforce will comprise stakeholders representing forest owners, forestry companies, Teagasc and Coillte. It will inform the department’s, and the wider sector’s, response to the storms, with particular emphasis on dealing safely with the large areas of forest that have been blown down. This will include a plan around the prioritisation of felling licences in respect of storm damage, and an examination of any issues that arise in relation to the harvesting, haulage and sawmilling of the blown trees.

29 January 2025

2025 Traditional Farm Buildings Grant Scheme opens
The scheme encourages investment by farmers in the conservation of traditional farm buildings and structures of significant heritage value that contribute to our rural landscape, such as historic yard surfaces, buildings, gates and gate pillars that form part of the working farm. The Scheme will close on Monday 10 March 2025. A grant award will cover up to 75% of the cost of the works, with a maximum available grant of €30,000.

29 January 2025

Call for proposals for Agri-Food Tourism Initiatives
Total funding of almost €300,000 is available for projects supporting agri-food tourism initiatives which may also include rural food markets. Closing date for receipt of applications is 12.00 noon on Monday 24 February 2025. The maximum amount payable to any project is €25,000.

29 January 2025

TAMS 3 Tranche 6 now open, including new Enhanced Grant Aid for Nutrient Storage
The latest tranche of the Targeted Agriculture Modernisation Scheme (TAMS 3) is now open for applications, and includes a new 60% grant aid for Nutrient Storage investments. Tranche 6 of TAMS 3 will close for applications on 7 March 2025, with upcoming 2025 tranches closing on 6 June 2025, 5 September 2025 and 5 December 2025

28 January 2025

Facility to amend 2025 reference number under the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme
Participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) now have access to amend their 2025 yearly reference number, should they wish to do so. The window to amend 2025 yearly reference numbers is open until 23.59 on Wednesday, 12 February 2025.

23 January 2025

Department urges safety as Storm Éowyn approaches
The Department today urged farmers, fishers and people in rural areas to take precautions and prepare for the approaching Storm Éowyn. It is important that steps are taken in advance to minimise the risks to people, livestock and property when the storm arrives.

23 January 2025

Windblow and Storm damage Guidance for Forest Owners
If you experience windblow, the most important advice is not to rush into any decisions but to make a step-by-step plan to minimise risk and maximise the salvage value of your plantation. Think Safety first - A windblown forest is a dangerous place. Only qualified and insured operators should be permitted access.

23 January 2025

Public Consultation on Generational Renewal in Farming will close on 31 January 2025
The Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming is adopting an objective, evidence-based approach, to examining the factors that contribute to the current age demographics in the sector and will present policy options for consideration. The Commission welcomes submissions by 4pm on Friday, 31 January 2025.

23 January 2025

National Disease Control Centre issues Avian Influenza Update
Avian influenza confirmed in a third wild bird in Ireland. Members of the public are advised not to handle sick or dead wild birds of any species. Pet owners are advised to keep dogs on a leash when walking where sick or dead wild birds are, or have been, present. Biosecurity Measures Regulations introduced 6 December 2024 remain in force.

21 January 2025

€19 million paid out to the horticulture sector in 2024
The Department issued €19 million in payments to the Irish horticulture sector in 2024 through a range of schemes. Horticulture growers are reminded that the closing date for receipt of applications under the 2025 Schemes of Investment Aid for Innovation and Diversification in Horticulture is midnight, Friday, 7 February 2025.

21 January 2025

Spring Beans Recommended List 2025
This Recommended List details the spring bean varieties that are considered most suitable for growing under Irish conditions. The varieties included on the Recommended List have completed a minimum of three years in Department trials

16 January 2025

Apply to become an approved ACRES Advisor 2025
The Department is now inviting applications to be approved as an ACRES Advisor. Apply by submitting the application form to the Department by 5.30pm on Friday, 7 February 2025.

15 January 2025

Download the new Nutrient Movement App now
The App will aid farmers in declaring and/or verifying organic nutrient movements between holdings.

13 January 2025

National Veterinary Prescription System has launched
The NVPS is an electronic national database which will collect all veterinary prescriptions and will help to support the continuing actions by the animal health sector to address the One Health challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance.

13 January 2025

Annual premiums of €24.2 million paid to more than 7,000 forest owners
Payments were issued to forest owners who applied through the department’s Online Services website.

13 January 2025

ACRES: Extended deadline for submission of requests for review of Decisions on 2023 NPIs applications
The deadline for submitting requests for reviews of Decisions on 2023 Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) applications has been extended to 31 January 2025.

10 January 2025

Vigilance urged following foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Germany
FMD is a highly contagious viral disease of cattle, sheep, pigs and other cloven hoofed animals.

10 January 2025

Organic Processing Investment Grant (OPIG) Scheme has reopened
The OPIG scheme provides funding to processors who wish to invest in developing facilities for the processing, preparation, grading, packing and storage of organic products. This new tranche of the scheme will remain open until Saturday, 8 February. Applications can be made by post or email by the closing date.

8 January 2025

For all of the Department's news, visit the press release page.