Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture
- Published on: 5 June 2026
- Last updated on: 5 June 2026
Background
The objective of the Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture is to provide a once off payment to support specialist monocrop horticulture growers that are most affected by unprecedented increases in fuel costs. This financial support is provided to help mitigate the continued increases in fuel costs.
The Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture is funded pursuant to the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF). The Middle East crisis Temporary State aid Framework (METSAF) is a targeted and temporary framework to address the effects of the crisis on the most affected sectors. Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture. The granting of approval of aid under the Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture shall only be granted after approval by the European Commission.
How to Qualify
To be eligible for consideration under the Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture, applicants must meet the following key conditions:
- Be an active commercial horticulture primary producer currently producing, in Ireland, one of the following eligible crops (monocrop only) in line with good commercial practice in an eligible structure using an eligible fuel.
| Eligible Structures | Eligible Crops | Eligible Fuels |
| Heated Glasshouses |
Cucumbers Tomatoes Peppers (Chilli) Strawberries Herbs
|
|
| Heated Glasshouses |
Hydroponically grown lettuce
|
|
|
Mushroom Tunnels / Houses |
Mushrooms
|
- All applicants must be tax compliant.
- Have an up-to-date registration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine as a Food Business Operator (FBO).
- Have completed the Horticulture Census 2025 at the time of application. If you have not already completed the census you can do so by clicking on this link Horticulture Census 2025.
- Be aged eighteen years or over on date of submission of the application for participation.
- Have a submitted a completed application form with all associated supporting documentation by midnight Wednesday 24th June 2026.
Payment Rate
The exact rate paid to successful applicants will be based on total valid applications and may be subject to a maximum payment. The maximum payment is not yet determined but will be dependent on overall application levels and cannot exceed state aid limits.
Terms and Conditions
Application Form
Please submit your Application Form using the link below.
Online Application Form - Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture
Closing date for receipt of applications is Midnight, Wednesday 24th June.
Contact Details
Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture Section
Address:
Horticulture Grants Section, Horticulture and Plant Health Division, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Administration Building, Backweston Campus, Young’s Cross, Celbridge, Co. Kildare
Email: HortFuelSupport@agriculture.gov.ie
Telephone: 01-5058886