The Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations (ESSPO) Scheme has reopened.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon has announced the reopening for a further round of applications from groups seeking official recognition by his department. 

Minister Heydon emphasised the role of producer organisations (POs) in improving the bargaining power of farmers in supply chains.

"New EU legislation on strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain reinforces the role of POs through, among other things, simplifying recognition procedures and reducing transaction costs," the minister said.

"The new rules allow for PO recognition following a single request covering multiple sectors or products, rather than the current requirement of a single request covering one specific sector."

Producer organisations

POs are officially recognised entities set up by primary producers to increase the collective bargaining power of their members and ultimately improve the position of farmers in the value chains for which they provide raw materials.

The criteria for the recognition of POs require that they are established at the initiative of active farmers producing agricultural products of the soil or of stock farming.

Additionally, POs must be controlled in accordance with rules that enable their farmer members to democratically scrutinise their organisation and its decisions.

Multi-sector recognition is contingent on an applicant PO fulfilling the conditions applicable to each specific sector for which it seeks recognition, and that the sectors concerned are within the scope of the scheme.

Grant aid

In applying for administrative grant aid, POs must ensure that they are not already in receipt of either EU or national funding in respect of items for which they may apply for ESSPO funding.

There is also a separate grant of up to €3,000 available to qualified facilitators for the provision of legal and business advice on matters related to PO formation and application submission. 

The minister added: “The scheme supports POs during their first three years following recognition.

"Grant funding of up to €10,000 per annum is available to cover eligible administrative costs, including hiring personnel and acquiring relevant technology.

Minister Heydon said he believes there is further scope to increase the number of POs in Ireland.

"Reopening the scheme for a fresh tranche of applications allows more POs to gain formal recognition and financial support," he said.

"Ongoing support is needed during a PO's early years and, in the absence of other supports, ESSPO funding to give them the necessary impetus at the outset."

Terms and conditions

Individuals or groups interested in participating in the scheme are advised to carefully examine the scheme’s terms and conditions on the department’s website, seek appropriate advice on establishment and operational matters, and submit applications before the deadline. 

The scheme is opened periodically for applications with the current window open from today (Wednesday, September 30) for a six-week period, until November 11, 2026.

It is envisaged that, after this window closes, there will be another opportunity to submit recognition applications early next year.