Teagasc has confirmed that it has increased some of its advisory and education charges for 2026.

The authority said that there has been a €25 increase in all Teagasc client contracts, which vary based on stock numbers, from a range of €225–€455 per contract this year.

This covers the core 'Teagasc Club' and 'Teagasc Technology' support packages.

The core package includes an office based annual farm review, basic a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) Scheme application, "reasonable access" to Teagasc by phone, access to Pasturebase Ireland.

It also covers office based support for farm inspections when they arise for Teagasc-assisted scheme applications.

Farmers who opt for the technology package also get one farm visit or equivalent consultation/office work time.

This year saw the introduction of a new 'Core + Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) review' contract category charge, which includes the core contract charge plus €100.

Teagasc said this reflects "ongoing compliance and follow-up work associated with farms where NMPs already in place require annual review and updating".

Advisory

The Teagasc derogation planning service fee has increased by €25 from €450 to €475 this year.

This service, available to Teagasc Technology support package clients only, includes one farm visit along with the preparation of a new derogation plan.

If a farmer adds annual monitoring and updating of derogation plans to their core plan, this ranges from €405-€670, depending on stock numbers.

This service includes the completion of annual records for derogation clients.

There has been an €80 increase in the minimum charge for the NMP/fertiliser plan from €160 to €240.

The Business Plan Tax Relief Certificate service, known as My Farm My Plan, is up €70 from €180 to €250.

This service is for clients and non-clients seeking Stock Relief Young Trained Farmers, Young Trained Farmer Stamp Duty Relief, and Succession Farm Partnership Tax Credit.

A new nutrient balance advisory service product has been introduced at a cost of €100 per client to support nitrates compliance, sustainability consultations and the digital sustainability platform, AgNav.

The revised advisory contract and service charges took effect from the start of the year.

Education

Teagasc has also confirmed revised charges for its education courses, including for Teagasc Level 5 and Level 6 programmes covering full-time, part-time and distance learning.

The full-time Level 5 and 6 programmes will increase from €990 to €1,200 per learner per year.

The Teagasc distance education Green Cert will rise from €2,990 to €3,250 per learner.

While the Teagasc part-time Green Cert will be €1,950 per learner, up from €1,700.

Teagasc

Teagasc previously confirmed to Agriland that not all vacant posts in the authority will be filled this year due to an allocated pay ceiling.

As well as that, The Signpost Advisory Programme, while continuing in 2026, is being "adapted to ensure the best use of available advisory sources".

This will include a reduction in the number of advisers dedicated solely to specialised climate and sustainability advisory roles.

This is part of a wider effort in Teagasc to make savings across the agency in various areas.

Teagasc said it will provide services to 42,000 farmer clients, support around 4,000 learners in education programmes and manage 500 on-going research projects this year.