Specialist monocrop horticulture growers are being reminded that the closing date for a fuel support scheme for the sector falls this week.

The Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture will provide a once off payment to support growers most affected by unprecedented increases in fuel costs.

The scheme forms part of the €100 million allocated by government for fuel income supports for the agriculture and fishing industries.

Up to €2 million is being provided for this horticulture scheme.

Fuel scheme

In order to be eligible for consideration under the scheme, applicants must be an active commercial horticulture primary producer currently producing in Ireland.

Applicants should be producing one of the following eligible crops (monocrop only): tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, strawberries, chillies, herbs and hydroponically-grown lettuce in an eligible structure using an eligible fuel.

All applicants must be tax compliant and have an up-to-date registration with the department as a food business operator (FBO).

They must also have completed the Horticulture Census 2025 at the time of making their scheme application.

The scheme will remain open for online applications until midnight on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.

Horticulture

The deparment has previously said that 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.