Budget 2026 will provide major support for farmers – McCarthy

Budget 2026 will ensure supports for TB, maintaining the nitrates derogation, encouraging generation renewal and supporting the tillage and livestock sectors., a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Noel McCarthy said Budget 2026 is providing €2.3 billion to support our farmers and agri-food sector, a 9% increase over last year, which is an extra €170m.

“We all know that farmers across the country have serious concerns about how we address TB. An additional €85m funding resulting in an overall budget of €157m will enable the rollout of the bovine TB (Btb) Action Plan, to reduce the risk of bTB outbreaks and provide farmers with the support they need to deal with them.

“Fine Gael is continuing to advocate for tillage farmers. This budget is supporting the tillage sector in 2026 with funding of at least €50m through the Protein Aid Scheme, the Straw Incorporation Measure and a Tillage Support Scheme. It is important to note that the farm organisations will be consulted on future scheme design and operation.

“An additional €20 million for ACRES will bring it to €280m, benefitting 53,800 farmers as well as an €88m allocation for the TAMS capital investment scheme.

“Recognising the importance of our drystock sectors, livestock scheme funding will be maintained at €131m across beef, sheep, and sucklers, despite pressures from TB and all other schemes.

“We’ll extend the Farm Consolidation (Stamp Duty) relief, Farm Restructuring (CGT) relief and the Young Trained Farmer (Stamp Duty) relief for four years to the end of 2029.

“There will also be an extension of the Accelerated Capital Allowance scheme for slurry storage facilities for four more years, which is key to improving our water quality.

“Fine Gael and Minister Martin Heydon know that the success of our farming sector is essential for a thriving economy. Budget 2026 will make a major step in ensuring the resilience of the agriculture sector.

“This is the first of five budgets this Government will deliver and marks an important first step to sustain rural Ireland and help it thrive,” concluded Deputy McCarthy said.