The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has issued an update on the Fuel Income Support Scheme.

The scheme, which opened for applications on Wednesday, May 6, is available to farmers and farm and forestry contractors.

The measure followed the sudden increase in the cost of green diesel driven by the war in the Middle East.

According to a spokesperson for the department, as of close of business on Tuesday (May 12), "approximately 3,600 applications have been received" for the scheme.

The scheme will remain open until Wednesday, May 27, 2026, "with payments to issue as soon as thereafter".

Fuel 

Eligibility for support through the Fuel Income Support Scheme will be based on use of green diesel for primary production of agricultural products on farm (including forestry) in 2025.

Applicants make a self-declaration of usage for the 12 months of 2025 based on statements or receipts which will be subject to risk-based checks.

To qualify for the scheme, farmers must have been actively farming in 2025, or commenced actively farming in 2026 and continue to do so this year.

Under the scheme, agricultural and forestry contractors must be registered for VAT, tax compliant and must supply services for primary production of agricultural products (including forestry) on farm.

Scheme

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has said that the total payment each applicant will receive will be calculated once all claims have been submitted.

However, it is anticipated that approximately 20c/L of the estimated usage of marked gas oil, known as green diesel, over the five-month period from March to July, will be the basis of the payment.

Farmers can apply for the scheme through the department's online AgFood platform.

Contractors can download the necessary forms from the DAFM website and submit completed applications by email or to the postal address provided on the forms.