Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, announced Budget 2026 allocations for his Department, securing an additional €170 million, which brings the total departmental vote to over €2.3 billion. He emphasized that the budget provides significant support to farmers, fishers, and foresters, reflecting the Government’s strong commitment to protecting and growing Ireland’s agri-food sector and its contribution to both rural and national economies. The 2026 Estimates include a Capital Programme of €335 million and Current Expenditure of €1.967 billion, marking a 9% increase compared to 2025.
A key priority highlighted in Budget 2026 is tackling bovine TB. An additional €85 million has been allocated, bringing the total TB programme funding to €157 million. This funding will support measures outlined in the new TB Action Plan, including targeted testing, enhanced wildlife programme resources, on-farm biosecurity improvements, and engagement with private veterinary practitioners. Minister Heydon stressed that these measures aim to reduce disease incidences and ease the financial and emotional burden on farm families.
Budget 2026 also focuses on water quality and environmental sustainability. The Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) for slurry storage has been extended to four years to support farmers in maintaining the nitrates derogation. Funding continues for the European Innovation Partnership “Farming for Water,” Teagasc’s Agricultural Catchments Programme, and the ASSAP programme, which provide advice and financial support for improving water quality. The TAMS capital investment scheme has been allocated €88 million to support farm modernization, competitiveness, and critical investments like slurry storage.
The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) received an increased allocation of €280 million to continue supporting almost 54,000 farmers in biodiversity, climate, and water quality initiatives. The tillage sector will receive at least €50 million through the Protein Aid Scheme, Straw Incorporation Measure, and Tillage Support Scheme, while livestock schemes maintain a €131 million allocation, supporting beef, sheep, and suckler farmers and continuing the National Genotyping Programme.
Budget 2026 provides for generational renewal measures, including Agricultural Relief, Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief, and Farm Restructuring and Consolidation reliefs, extended by four years to support succession planning. Minister Heydon also announced €19.3 million in research and development funding to drive innovation across the agri-food, forestry, and bioeconomy sectors.
Allocations for the fishing, seafood, and forestry sectors were also confirmed, with €157.7 million for fisheries, €93 million for forestry, and €8.25 million for the Knowledge Transfer Scheme to promote farm management best practices. Organic farming will receive €58.6 million to continue supporting the expansion of the Organic Farming Scheme, which has grown 221% since 2021.
Minister Heydon concluded that Budget 2026 marks an important first step in sustaining and developing rural Ireland, supporting farmers, fishers, and foresters, while ensuring the agri-food sector remains resilient amid economic uncertainty. The measures reflect a long-term commitment to the growth, modernization, and environmental sustainability of Ireland’s agricultural and rural economy.
