The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has been allocated over €2 billion as part of Budget 2025 which is worth a total of €10.5 billion, the government has announced in the Dáil today (Tuesday, October 1).
This represents an increase on last year’s budget allocation to the DAFM which totalled €1.9 billion. This was down by 17% compared to its Budget 2023 allocation of €2.141 billion.
Over €716 million is being provided in 2025 for those participating in agri-environmental schemes such as the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, forestry, and organic farming.
Budget 2025 was signed off by Cabinet this morning and has been presented to the Dáil by Minister for Finance, Jack Chambers and Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe.
Funding for the agriculture sector announced as part of Budget 2025 includes:
- €30 million for a new tillage scheme supporting farmers to plant their field crops;
- €10 million for animal health measures improving biosecurity;
- €22 million for the continuation of the National Sheep Welfare Scheme into 2025;
- €8 million to enhance payment rates on the National Beef Welfare Scheme.
Some €143 million of Carbon Tax funding will be provided to the DAFM in 2025. Minister Donohoe said this funding will “continue to support farmers as they work to improve biodiversity, climate, air and water quality outcomes”.
The DAFM will also administer over €1.2 billion of EU funding in direct payments to farmers, the minister announced in the Dáil today.
A breakdown of the DAFM’s total allocation shows that over €1.65 billion will be used for programme expenditure, while €405 million will be used for administration, including salaries.
A total of €418 million will be dedicated to food safety, animal and plant health, and animal welfare, while €1.09 billion will go towards farm sector supports and controls.
The DAFM’s allocation “demonstrates the broad support that will be provided across the sectors, ensuring we support farmers, fishers and foresters,” Minister Donohoe said.
“The agri-food sector is a core part of our rural communities and our largest indigenous industry.
“Budget 2025 will support an innovative and sustainable sector that enriches our biodiversity, protects our landscapes and supports our economy,” Minister Donohoe said.
Last year, the majority of the DAFM’s budget – €968.1 million – was earmarked for its farm sector supports and controls programme, which primarily revolved around schemes relating to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
This included more than €700 million for farmers participating in environmental schemes, including ACRES, the Areas of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme, forestry and organic farming.
Budget 2025
The Carbon Tax will increase by €7.50/t as part of Budget 2025, bringing the total Carbon Tax revenue available for investment to €951 million, the government announced.
Half of this amount will be invested in improving the energy efficiency of our homes, which is an additional €89 million compared to 2024, Minister Donohoe said.
The rate per tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted for petrol and diesel will go up from €56.00 to €63.50 from October 9. For other fuels, the rate increase will take place in May 2025, after the winter home-heating season.
“Revenue raised from this increase in carbon tax is recycled to ensure vulnerable persons are protected from unintended impacts of the tax increase, to part fund a socially progressive national retrofitting and energy efficiency programme, and to encourage and support farmers in the green transition,” Minister Chambers said.