Budget 2026 Ireland: What Does It Mean for Irish Farmers?

Budget 2026: Key Announcements for Irish Farmers

The Government announced a 9% increase in the Department of Agriculture's funding compared with 2025.

Key agricultural allocations include:

While these are significant national funding commitments, the amount individual farmers receive will depend on scheme eligibility, application requirements and the conditions attached to each support.

1. More Funding for Farm Investments Through TAMS

One of the key announcements for farmers considering improvements to their farm infrastructure was the allocation of €88 million to the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).

TAMS provides grant assistance for qualifying investments that improve farm efficiency, safety, animal welfare and environmental performance.

Depending on the applicable scheme and eligibility, supported investments can include slurry storage, livestock housing improvements and certain farm equipment.

What does this mean for farmers?

Farmers considering investments in their yard or infrastructure should examine the TAMS options available to them before committing to new projects.

With continued demand for funding, planning ahead and checking the relevant application requirements remain important.

2. €280 Million for ACRES and Environmental Supports

The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) received an increased allocation of €280 million for 2026, up €20 million on the previous year.

ACRES supports approximately 54,000 participating farmers who undertake approved actions to improve biodiversity, water quality and environmental sustainability.

What does this mean for farmers?

For existing ACRES participants, this funding supports the continuation of scheme payments and environmental measures.

Farmers should continue to meet their individual scheme requirements, maintain records and check payment and compliance information through the Department of Agriculture.

3. Increased Investment in Bovine TB Eradication

Bovine tuberculosis remains a major concern for Irish cattle farmers, with outbreaks having potentially serious consequences for animal movements, herd management and farm income.

Budget 2026 allocated €157 million to the bovine TB programme, including an additional €85 million to support the implementation of the TB Action Plan.

What does this mean for dairy and beef farmers?

The increased funding is intended to strengthen national disease control efforts and support the programme's implementation.

For farmers, preventing disease and maintaining high standards of herd health remain essential parts of managing a productive and profitable farm.

Regular veterinary engagement, biosecurity measures and compliance with TB testing requirements continue to be important.

4. Continued Support for Beef, Suckler and Sheep Farmers

Budget 2026 maintained €131 million in funding for targeted livestock supports covering beef, sheep, suckler farming and related programmes.

These schemes are designed to support farm income while encouraging improvements in animal welfare, efficiency and sustainability.

The National Sheep Welfare Scheme also received €20 million to continue supporting participating sheep farmers.

What does this mean for livestock farmers?

Existing livestock support schemes remain an important consideration when planning farm finances.

However, farmers should not assume that a national funding allocation automatically means an increase in their individual payment. Payment rates and conditions depend on the scheme concerned.

5. Slurry Storage and Farm Efficiency

Slurry management remains an important issue for Irish dairy and livestock farms, particularly where farmers are working to meet environmental and nitrates requirements.

Budget 2026 extended the Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme for qualifying slurry storage facilities to 31 December 2029.

This tax measure can allow eligible expenditure to be written off more quickly for tax purposes, subject to the relevant conditions.

What does this mean for farmers?

Farmers planning additional slurry storage or major infrastructure improvements should investigate both potential grant support and the available tax treatment.

The right investment will depend on the farm's existing storage capacity, stocking rate, financial position and future requirements.

6. What Changed for Farmer Taxation in 2026?

Budget 2026 also included several tax measures relevant to farm businesses.

VAT flat-rate compensation

The flat-rate VAT addition for qualifying unregistered farmers decreased from 5.1% to 4.5% on 1 January 2026.

This means a lower flat-rate addition on eligible sales, which may affect receipts for farmers using the scheme.

Farm succession and land transfers

A number of important agricultural tax reliefs were extended, including Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief, Farm Consolidation Relief and Farm Restructuring Relief.

These extensions are particularly relevant to farmers planning to transfer or restructure agricultural land.

Income tax

The main income tax rates and standard-rate bands remained unchanged under Budget 2026. Principal personal tax credits were also unchanged.

Farmers should discuss how these measures affect their individual circumstances with their accountant or tax adviser.

7. What Does Budget 2026 Mean for Dairy Farmers?

For Irish dairy farmers, the most relevant Budget 2026 measures include TAMS investment funding, slurry storage tax relief, increased bovine TB funding and continued environmental supports.

These announcements come as farmers continue to manage the everyday costs of operating their businesses.

Feed, fertiliser, animal health, dairy hygiene, machinery, energy and labour all contribute to farm expenditure.

While Budget 2026 provides funding opportunities, farm profitability still depends on controlling costs, maintaining productivity and making well-informed investment decisions.

Reviewing input costs, planning seasonal purchases and investing in preventative herd health can help farmers make better use of their available resources.

8. What Does Budget 2026 Mean for Tillage Farmers?

The tillage sector was allocated at least €50 million across measures including the Protein Aid Scheme, Straw Incorporation Measure and a Tillage Support Scheme.

This funding recognises the importance of Irish tillage production in supplying feed, bedding and raw materials to the wider agricultural sector.

For tillage farmers, the practical impact will depend on the eligibility rules and payment arrangements for individual schemes.

Farmers should review the relevant scheme conditions and application deadlines.

What Should Irish Farmers Do Following Budget 2026?

Understanding what support is available is only one part of managing a successful farm business.

Farmers should consider reviewing their current grant eligibility, discussing planned investments with their adviser and assessing how changes to taxation could affect their farm finances.

It is also worth reviewing everyday operating costs, including animal health products, farm supplies, fertiliser, hygiene products and other essential inputs.

Small improvements in purchasing decisions and farm efficiency can contribute to stronger financial performance over time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budget 2026 for Farmers

How much funding was allocated to agriculture in Budget 2026?

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine received over €2.3 billion in Budget 2026, representing an additional €170 million compared with the previous year.

How much funding did TAMS receive in Budget 2026?

TAMS received €88 million for 2026 to support qualifying farm modernisation and investment projects.

Did ACRES funding increase in Budget 2026?

Yes. ACRES funding increased by €20 million to €280 million for 2026.

What support is available for dairy farmers in Budget 2026?

Relevant measures include funding for TAMS, ACRES, the bovine TB eradication programme and extended tax allowances for qualifying slurry storage investment. Eligibility and benefits depend on individual farm circumstances.

Did Budget 2026 introduce new tax reliefs for slurry storage?

Budget 2026 extended the Accelerated Capital Allowances scheme for qualifying slurry storage facilities until the end of 2029, subject to scheme conditions.

Did the farmer VAT flat rate change in 2026?

Yes. The flat-rate VAT addition for qualifying unregistered farmers fell from 5.1% to 4.5% on 1 January 2026.

What does Budget 2026 mean for beef and sheep farmers?

The Budget maintained funding for targeted livestock supports, including schemes intended to support farm incomes, animal welfare and sustainable production.

Getting Farmers Ahead with Feirm Supplies

Budget announcements matter, but what happens on the farm every day matters just as much.

At Feirm Supplies, we're focused on helping Irish farmers get ahead through competitive farm input prices, reliable nationwide delivery and practical advice from our experienced team.

From dairy hygiene and animal health to livestock nutrition, housing essentials and everyday farm supplies, we're here to help farmers make informed purchasing decisions and keep their businesses moving.

Getting Farmers Ahead.

Explore our range at www.feirmsupplies.com or contact our team on 053 923 6240.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Ireland's Budget 2026. Scheme eligibility, payment rates, tax treatment and application conditions should be confirmed with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.