The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has confirmed that over 1,100 applications have been submitted for the On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme.

The scheme, part of the government’s Bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) Action Plan, is aimed at helping farmers put additional biosecurity measures in place on their farms.

Under the scheme, farmers can receive grant support towards the cost of fencing off badger setts and buying specialised feed and water troughs designed to reduce contact between badgers and cattle.

Badger scheme

Farmers could apply for grant aid of 40% on approved biosecurity materials, up to a maximum eligible spend of €2,000, excluding VAT.

This means the maximum grant payable under this scheme is €800, excluding VAT.

The minimum amount of investment eligible for approval under this scheme is €500, excluding VAT, per herdowner.

The scheme had been limited to a maximum of 7,500 participants where all eligibility requirements are met.

However, a spokesperson for the department has confirmed to Agriland that 1,128 applications were made by the closing date of June 7.

Tipperary was the county with the highest number of applications at 110, followed by Cork on 108 and Kerry with 95.

The county-by-county breakdown of On-Farm Badger Biosecurity Scheme applications is as follows:

"Eligible items can be purchased by successful applicants who have received an approval letter from the department to participate in the scheme from their selected co-operatives/agri-retail merchant from July 1, 2026 to August 31, 2026," the spokesperson added.

There are 43 approved co-ops and agri-retail merchants under the scheme the list is available on department's bovine TB website.