New fuel scheme to make payments to those under €100 threshold
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon has confirmed the extension of fuel supports to farmers, contractors, specialist horticulturalists and fishers for a further five months.
The Fuel Income Support Scheme for farmers and farm contractors originally covered the months of March up to the end of July.
This second payment will cover the period from August to December.
Support of €31.2 million will be made available, in addition to payments of €38 million already issued in the earlier tranche of the scheme.
Applicants who had lower marked gas oil (MGO) - or green diesel - usage will see a payment where more than 600L of MGO was declared on their original application.
Originally, farmers declaring less than 1,200L would not have hit the minimum payment threshold of €100.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is currently making arrangements for the second tranche of supports for horticulture producers and the fishing sector.
Minister Heydon said: “The Government recognises the continuing pressure on farmers (including specialist horticulture), fishers and agricultural contractors caused by the high cost of marked gas oil.
He added "My department responded very quickly to put in place the fuel support scheme earlier this year. In order to ensure a simplified approach to this additional payment, applicants will not have to apply a second time.
"The extended payment will issue based on the application they have already submitted, subject to scheme limits.
Minister Heydon said: "This additional funding will help support the agricultural, fisheries and horticultural sectors.
"I will continue to keep in close contact with the representative stakeholder organisations and will continue to engage and listen to their concerns," he added.
Fertiliser scheme
This latest announcement follows confirmation earlier today (Tuesday, October 13) of the details of a new support scheme to offset the cost of fertiliser.
Minister Heydon confirmed a €46.2 million funding package to support farmers facing fertiliser cost spikes caused by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The scheme will see a payment rate of €40/t.
