Payments of between €100 and €50,000 have been confirmed under the government’s Fuel Support Scheme, aimed at easing pressure from rising fuel bills.

The government today (Wednesday, April 29) unveiled the full details of the €100 million Fuel Support Scheme for farmers and contractors.

Of the €100 million budget, €15 million is ring-fenced for fisheries and aquaculture.

This scheme is being run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Speaking today as he announced the details, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon said the government "recognises the exceptional pressure that rising fuel costs are placing on our farmers, farm contractors and fishers".

"This targeted and practical support package based on actual fuel usage last year ensures that those most exposed to these increases will receive meaningful assistance," he said.

The Fuel Support Scheme for farmers and farm and forestry contractors will cover the months of March up to the end of July

It is an income support scheme aimed at those most impacted by the sudden increase in the cost of Marked Gas Oil (MGO), also known as green diesel.

Eligibility for the scheme will be based on use of green diesel for primary production of agricultural products on farm (including forestry) last year.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for the farm and farm and forestry contractors scheme will be determined by:

Use of green diesel (road diesel usage is not eligible);
Use of green diesel must be for primary production of agricultural products on farm (including forestry);
Farmers and farm or forestry contractors are eligible to apply.

Small specialist sectors such as specialist horticulture, through smaller separate supports where they fall outside the main scheme design, are also eligible.

Applicants will be asked to supply their usage for the 12 months of 2025 based on receipted expenditure.

The applicant will make a self-declaration of usage based on statements or receipts which they hold and which may be subject to risk-based checks. 

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

Approximately 120,000 farmers and 1,500 full-time agricultural contractors are expected to be eligible.

What are payments under the scheme?

Payments will cover the months of March up to the end of July 2026, which coincides with peak fuel usage on farms.

Payments will be made through a single application process.

Farmers, along with farm and forestry contractors, will be eligible for payments of approximately 20 cent per litre - or €200 per 1,000 litres but this is "based on verified fuel usage in 2025".

Minimum payment will be €100 with maximum payment expected at €50,000.

Farmers and contractors today have been advised that under the scheme there will be one payment per applicant to cover a full five-month period rather than monthly payments.

When do applications open?

Applications are expected to open next week, May 2026.

They will open for a three to four week window.

Payments will follow thereafter.

Farmers and contractors will get a one-off lump-sum payment.