Fuel support scheme for farmers to be extended
The fuel support scheme for farmers will be extended, it was announced today (September 24).
Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris confirmed the news today in the Dáil.
He said: “We were all at the ploughing last week, we heard very clearly three issues; fuel, fodder and fertiliser. I call them the three ‘F’s'.
“There will be support for farmers with fodder and fertiliser.”
He added the government is “now working to extend the fuel support scheme for farmers”.
On social media, he added: “At the Ploughing last week, I heard very clearly from farmers in every corner of the country the challenges and concerns they face.
“We're working through the details now and they will be finalised in the coming days.
“Farming is the backbone of rural Ireland. This government will keep backing farmers and the communities they sustain.”
In a statement to Agriland, Minister Heydon said: “I understand that fuel prices are still high and the price of green diesel is elevated which is hard on farmers.
"That’s why I’m working on a second tranche of payments for the agri-sector as part of our ongoing budget negotiations’
Support scheme
The Fuel Income Support Scheme was introduced by the government as a targeted income support to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs.
The support followed a series of fuel protests and blockades across the country by farmers, contractors and hauliers who said soaring energy costs were making their businesses unviable.
Last month, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) confirmed that €25.21 million had been paid out under the scheme by August 21.
According to the latest payments data published by DAFM, an additional €532,100 was issued in the week leading up to August 25.
The department said that a total of 30,604 farmers and contractors had received payments under the scheme.
However, a spokesperson told Agriland: "A detailed [payment] breakdown between farmers and contractors is not available at this time".
"A preliminary analysis of applications shows an average payment to contractors is approximately €4,000, with farmers receiving approximately €600," they added.
