Intent: To propose the introduction of a minimum 50% capital grant for development of farmer owned farm scale biogas plants - financed through Infrastructure and Climate and Nature Fund (ICNF) and/or feed in tariff.::To propose the immediate reduction of Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO). The RHO is necessary to make the Biomethane sector financially viable.::To propose the introduction of a renewable energy finance scheme that provides state-supported low-cost finance.::To seek the establishment of a dedicated farmer category within the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS) with scaled support to protect the viability of small and medium scale projects.::To propose renewable taxation reliefs for solar farms extended to farmer invested wind turbines.::To propose the maintenance of all existing taxation reliefs and exemptions for farmers involved in AD and any other renewable activities.::To propose a solar incentive that allows farmers to install systems beyond their own usage
Intent: To propose that a new Over-Wintering Support Scheme should be introduced, spanning fodder and bedding, with applications open to all farmers. Increased allocations should be afforded to farmers in uplands and Natura 2000 sites.
Details: IFA Budget 2027 Submission - Over-Wintering Support Scheme
Intent: To highlight the damaging impact of the current proposed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget cuts.::To highlight the economic impact on family farms and rural communities. CAP payments are a crucial part of Irish agriculture and rural Ireland and any cuts would jeopardise the future viability of family farms and rural economies.::To emphasise that restoring the CAP budget must be a priority for the Irish Government, as it currently holds the EU Presidency during this crucial period. The Government must use this opportunity to steer this debate and achieve an outcome that will provide farmers and the wider rural economy with the resilience needed to tackle the challenges ahead.
Details: IFA Regional Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Meetings
Intent: Measures to Support Farm Sectors::• Increased funding for all national support schemes with no linear cuts imposed::• Suckler cow total supports of €300/cow on all cows::• €35/ewe to all breeding ewes & €45/ewe for hill ewes::• Beef calf from Dairy Herds Scheme - €100/calf::• Beef Sustainability Scheme - €100/head for cattle aged 1-2yrs::• Dairy Fertiliser support, improve TAMS access, VAT reliefs, and volatility mechanisms::• Tillage Expansion and Sustainability Scheme (TESS) €65 million for a tillage sustainability scheme and an additional €3.2 million for a tillage expansion scheme::• Increased funding to ensure full payment to all Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) applicants::• Horticulture supports to alleviate cost of production including labour – increase in Horticulture Grant Scheme::• Re-establishment of Multi-Species Sward and Red Clover Silage Schemes::• Sector specific supports for Mushroom & Potato farmers::• Pigs & Poultry - additional TAMS grant supports and animal heal
Intent: Aquaculture & Water Quality::To stress that it is important that public discussion around aquaculture and water quality is grounded in evidence. There is often an assumption that aquaculture is primarily a pressure on marine water quality. However, that narrative is incomplete and, in many respects, misleading when applied to the Irish context.::To highlight that shellfish farming, by its nature, provides environmental benefits. Shellfish are filter feeders that remove nutrients from the water column, improve water clarity, enhance bacterial denitrification and contribute to nutrient sequestration. In this sense, shellfish production can support improved water and habitat quality and assist in mitigating eutrophication pressures in coastal waters.::That, in relation to finfish farming, it is acknowledged that nutrient inputs require careful management. However, current Water Framework Directive classifications show Irish coastal waters to be primarily of high or good status for water q
Intent: To stress that the aquaculture sector fully supports robust environmental assessment, compliance with national & EU legislation, and the protection of our marine environment. What we are seeking is a licensing process that is timely, coherent, properly resourced, and legally robust.::To emphasise that it is now critical that a single piece of legislation is brought forward to implement and underpin appropriate aquaculture policy and bring together all the existing primary, secondary and amended legislation in one single provision.::To seek modernisation of the licensing system with 20-year licences. There needs to be clear timelines & certainty for Licence determinations.::To stress that the correct resources, staffing & expertise for appropriate assessment and environmental assessment work is required.::To seek improved access to funding despite licensing delays.::To examine the validity of a Plan-led approach – a Designated Maritime Area Plan (DMAP) for the Irish Aquaculture sector m
Intent: To propose targeted sectoral support sucklers (€300/cow), sheep (€30/ewe), tillage (€250/ha for Tillage Survival Scheme in 2024; €400/ha in 2025 [€250/ha in 2026-2028] for additional [and retained] cereal crops grown), calf rearing (€100/dairy beef calf); beef sustainability (€100 per dairy and suckling yearling) . Further detail within this submission.::To propose support for Generational Renewal Strong measures to support committed young farmers & new entrants across all schemes.::- Report and recommendation DAFM Commission on Generational Renewal due in July 2025.
Details: IFA Budget 2026 Submission - Farm Schemes
Intent: To propose that the Minster for Agriculture, Food and the Marine establishes a support mechanism for the Irish Aquaculture sector to address current biological, economic and market challenges.::To propose that adequate funding and resources be made available to ensure tertiary treatment is rolled out for all coastal Wastewater Treatment plants (WWTPS) - specifically WWTPS adjacent to bays and harbours where shellfish production is carried out to sustain food safety, rural jobs and enterprise.::Further, funding and resources must be allocated to the relevant bodies to establish pollution reduction programmes where required, in compliance with the EU Water Framework Directive (formerly EU Shellfish Waters Directive).
Intent: To propose that full consideration is given to the IFA submission proposing that 15% of all prize money in horse competitions and racing go directly to horse breeders.::To propose that DAFM takes control of administering a complete Horse Identification & Movement system (HIMs) database to identify all horses.::To propose that Government funding for Horse Racing Ireland (HRI) and Horse Sport Ireland (HSI) needs to increase in line with inflation.::To propose the establishment of licenced horse processing facility within the count, led and funded by DAFM.
Details: Measures to Support Farm Enterprises - Equine
