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Minister Heydon announces increase in BISS, CRISS and ECO Scheme advance payments and flexibilities on ACRES in response to prolonged dry spell
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- Last updated on:
- Minister Collins announces changes to the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector
- National Fodder and Feed Security Committee meets today
- Notes
Minister Collins announces changes to the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector
National Fodder and Feed Security Committee meets today
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today announced increases on advance payment rates under the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (CRISS) and the ECO Scheme, along with flexibilities on requirements associated with certain actions in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. These changes come in response to the ongoing challenges that farmers are experiencing due to the current prolonged dry weather conditions.
Announcing the changes, the Minister said:
“I am acutely aware of the pressures that farmers are experiencing. These were discussed at our meeting with the farm organisations on Tuesday where we also discussed next steps and possible actions that would help to address the challenges being experienced by farmers.”
Responding to calls from the farm organisations for higher advance payments, the Minister has announced that the rate of advance payments has increased from 70% to 75% for BISS, CRISS and ECO, the maximum amount possible under EU regulations.
The Minister said:
“Farm payments are a critical element of farmers’ income. The increase in the advance payment rate will assist farmers with cash flow, which is of critical importance, particularly to those farmers who are experiencing higher costs at present.”
Responding to the current impacts of the dry weather on livestock farmers, the Minister is permitting mowing of lands under six ACRES actions for 2026 from 21 August rather than the normal scheme requirement date of 31 August.
Minister Heydon confirmed:
“I have decided that participants in ACRES who have grass margin actions or the riparian buffer zone/strip actions or those in ACRES Co-operation approach who have been approved for field margins or riparian margins as non-productive investments (NPIs) may mow those areas from 21 August, before the normal Scheme specified date of 31 August 2026. This will allow for earlier access for farmers to the off-takes from the almost 26,000 hectares of land covered by these ACRES actions. This should provide some immediate easing of pressure for fodder in certain areas and assist in securing better quality fodder which earlier mowing can provide.”
The Department will issue a circular to ACRES advisors and a technical note for farmers to provide guidance on these changes.
Changes have also been made to the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector. These changes will allow investments approved under the 2025 and the 2026 Scheme to submit a request to change their currently approved investment item(s) for investments in irrigation equipment. Each applicant is being contacted by email advising them how they can amend their application.
Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins TD, said:
“These changes to the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector will allow for a swift funding response to the current drought conditions.”
Minister Collins added:
“It is a stressful time for farmers in regions most impacted by the current prolonged dry spell. Farmers are encouraged to reach out for support – whether that is to their advisor, their farm organisation, or the many other support services. Help and advice is available.”
Minister Heydon concluded:
“I am committed to supporting the sector during this difficult time. The impact of the dry spell is a very challenging situation which I am keeping under close review. I would like to thank Mike Magan for convening the National Fodder and Food Security meeting at my request, which is being held today in Teagasc, Oak Park. The Committee will provide a forum for communicating the latest information on grass production, fodder supply and on crop production on farms as well as ensuring a co-ordinated response, including on advice to farmers in managing the ongoing situation and in ensuring appropriate fodder supplies for the coming winter.”
Notes
Participants in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) undertake certain commitments, or actions, under ACRES, with those actions designed to contribute to the overall scheme objectives. There are a range of actions in the scheme whereby grass margins or riparian buffer zones or strips are created and maintained to contribute to biodiversity and, in the case of the riparian buffer zones/strips to help protect water quality by intercepting the loss of sediment and nutrients from soil surfaces after they have been mobilised. One of the scheme requirements stated in the specifications for these actions is that cutting may not take place during certain periods with 31 August being the end date of that restricted period.
In recognition of the pressure on winter fodder arising from the prolonged period of dry weather in recent months, the Department is advising that mowing operations are permitted from 21 August 2026 for the following ACRES actions:
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Grass Margin – Arable |
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Grass Margin- Grassland |
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Riparian Buffer Zone/strip - Arable |
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Riparian Buffer Zone/strip - Grassland |
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Field Margins |
The EU’s common agricultural policy (CAP) is a partnership between society and agriculture that ensures a stable supply of food, safeguards farmers’ income, protects the environment and keeps rural areas vibrant. EU countries implement the CAP 2023-2027 with a CAP Strategic Plan at national level.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is co-funded by the National Exchequer and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) of the European Union under Ireland's CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027.
ACRES is the agri-environment climate measure under Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan for the period 2023-2027.