2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability opens for applications
- Foilsithe: 13 Feabhra 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 13 Feabhra 2026
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, has today announced that the application process for the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), Eco-Schemes and other related schemes has now opened.
Minister Heydon said:
“Over the coming weeks, farmers will be receiving a BISS information pack in the post containing their maps and land details for 2026. This information will assist farmers and their advisors to make their online application."
“The closing date for BISS applications is Friday, 15 May 2026. Where farmers make use of advisory services to submit their form, I urge them to engage early with their advisor, to avail of the opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date.”
Farmers can apply for all elements of Direct Payments (BISS, Eco-Schemes, Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, Protein Aid, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements) online. This helps to ensure that the department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.
Farmers are reminded to check that they have correctly applied for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC), Eco-Scheme, and continued participation in Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, if applicable. Annual payment claims for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM); Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Organic Farming Scheme can also be made online.
The Terms and Conditions should be read carefully, in particular if you are a tillage farmer, please see changes around (Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions) GAEC 7 (Crop Rotation and Diversification in Arable Lands).
Concluding, the Minister added:
“Direct payments are a critical element of farm income, and I would encourage all farmers to make sure that they submit their application on time and where any queries arise, to respond promptly to allow payments issue on time.”
As part of the Terms and Conditions for 2026 a new section regarding Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing has been included. This text is there to remind farmers of their obligations but also the support available through schemes like the TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme to assist them to make their work environment safer.
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD, said:
“Tragically, 24 farmers lost their lives in incidents on Irish farms in 2025, double the number of fatal incidents in 2024. I want farmers to know that while they have obligations under health and safety legislation, department supports are available. If you are struggling and finding it difficult to cope reach out and talk to someone you trust, an advisor, a GP or a helpline.”
For further information visit the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/farmsafety.
Notes to Editor
Over the coming weeks, farmers will be receiving their 2026 BISS packs in the post. The pack contains a cover letter and a statement of lands.
Full Terms and Conditions are available online, or on request as outlined below. A help sheet is also available at: Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme.
Should farmers wish to contact the department in relation to online application they can do so at:
- 049 4368288 in relation to queries on registering for www.agfood.ie – for example queries on lost passwords, how to register
- 057 8674422 in relation to queries on completing the BISS application once registered on www.agfood.ie or to request a paper copy of the Terms and Conditions
As is customary at the opening of the applications window certain groups of applicants will not be able to apply. This year, some ACRES applicants will not be able to apply for the first few weeks to ensure that the farmer and advisor have access to all relevant information when submitting the BISS application. This helps to ensure that the department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible. These restrictions on applications will lift with ample time to allow all applications to be made before the closing date.
Farmers who are considering transfers of payment entitlements for 2026 and future years should note that the current CAP cycle is due to close at the end of 2027 and the draft regulations from 2028 do not currently contain provision for the continuation of the system of payment entitlements.