Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has today (Friday, August 21) announced increases in advance scheme payment rates in response to the prolonged dry spell.

The minister also confirmed a number of flexibilities for actions under certain schemes.

The rate of advance payments has increased from 70% to 75% for the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), the Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability Scheme (CRISS) and the Eco-Scheme.

This is the maximum amount possible under EU regulations.

The move follows calls from farm organisations for higher advance payments as farmers, particularly in the south and east, deal with the additional costs and challenges associated with the drought.

The 2026 eco-scheme advance payments will commence from October 16, 2026, alongside BISS advance payments.

Payments

Minister Heydon reiterated that he is "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," he 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," the minister added.

Flexibilities

Minister Heydon confirmed flexibilities on requirements for certain actions in the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Scheme of Investment Aid for the Development of the Commercial Horticulture Sector.

Responding to the current impacts of the dry weather on livestock farmers, the date for mowing of lands under six ACRES actions for 2026 is being brought forward.

ACRES participants 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 August 21, before the normal scheme specified date of August 31 2026.

"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," Minister Heydon said.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) is advising that mowing operations are permitted from 21 August 2026 for the following ACRES actions:

General ACRES actions undertaken on lands outside ACRES Co-operation zones

Grass margin – Arable;
Grass margin- Grassland;
Riparian buffer zone/strip - Arable;
Riparian buffer zone/strip - Grassland.

Actions undertaken, in the form of non-productive investments, by ACRES Co-operation participants

Field margins;
Riparian margin and riparian margin (sheep fencing).

The department will issue a circular to ACRES advisors and a technical note for farmers to provide guidance on these changes.

Scheme

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.

Applicants are 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 said the changes will "allow for a swift funding response to the current drought conditions".

"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."

Meeting

The National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) is meeting today in Teagasc, Oak Park following a request from Minister Heydon.

The committee, chaired by Mike Magan, includes representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), Teagasc, Bord Bia, farm organisations, banks, industry representative bodies and the farming media.

"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," Minister Heydon said.