Government extends fuel income support scheme for farmers

The Irish government has announced an extension of the Fuel Income Support Scheme for farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said on 24 September.

Ann Gleeson Hanrahan, managing director of the Association of Farm and Forestry Contractors in Ireland (FCI), welcomed the move, noting that members have faced severe pressure since the war in the Middle East triggered volatility in fuel prices.

Harris said the extension follows concerns raised at the recent ploughing event about the “three F’s” – fuel, fodder and fertiliser – and that details of the extended support will be finalised in the coming days.

The scheme, introduced earlier to provide targeted income support amid unprecedented fuel cost increases, follows a series of protests and blockades by farmers, contractors and hauliers over soaring energy expenses.

Earlier in September, the FCI had sought an urgent meeting with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon after green diesel prices peaked in August. Heydon confirmed he is working on a second tranche of payments for the agri‑sector as part of ongoing budget negotiations.

Source: Agriland. Photo: Erik Mclean / Pexels.