A deadline for soil sample results under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) is approaching.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) said in an ACRES circular that soil sampling is a "key requirement" of the scheme.

ACRES is the agri-environment climate measure in Ireland’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plan 2023-2027.

The department said there are currently just under 54,000 farmers participating in the scheme, which aims to address a range of environmental, climate, biodiversity and water quality issues.

Soil sample deadline

DAFM said the final deadline for the submission of soil sample results (or soil sample exemption forms) is February 28, 2026.

The department has told advisors that it is essential that all remaining soil sample results, or soil sample exemption forms, are uploaded by that date.

"You are advised that all ACRES contracts where soil sample results (or soil sample exemption forms) are still outstanding after that date will be terminated and all monies paid to the participant under ACRES to that date will be recouped," the department said.

"To avoid such contract termination and recoupment, please ensure that soil sample results (or soil sample exemption forms where relevant) have been uploaded for all of your clients by February 28, 2026."

The department said the relevant documents must be uploaded on the ACRES system by an approved ACRES advisor, via the soil sample upload function available to all advisors on MyAgFood.

Documents submitted by post or email will not be accepted, the department added.

Applications for approved ACRES advisors

DAFM is currently accepting applications for approved advisors for ACRES.

Although the scheme is closed for applications from farmers, DAFM said that approved ACRES advisors will continue to support participants throughout their contract term.

The department said anyone who is interested in applying to become an approved ACRES advisor should submit an application form, available on the DAFM website, by 5:30p.m on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.