Almost 2,000 farmers across County Waterford are set to benefit from more than €5.3 million in advance payments under the 2026 Eco-Scheme.
Figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine show that 1,931 Waterford farmers are receiving payments totalling €5,348,406.
The funding forms part of a nationwide rollout worth more than €203 million, benefiting 106,913 farmers across Ireland.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, confirmed that advance payments commenced today (Friday, October 16th).
The Eco-Scheme rewards farmers for undertaking agricultural practices that benefit the climate, environment, water quality and biodiversity.
The Minister confirmed that the payment rate has been maintained at €66 per eligible hectare, the same rate as in 2025.
Advance payments are being issued at a rate of 75%, an increase of five percentage points compared to recent years.
Minister Heydon said almost 92% of eligible applicants nationwide have now received an advance payment under the scheme.
“Eco-Scheme payments are a vital support for farmers, and I have maintained the payment rate in 2026 at €66 per eligible hectare, same as it was in 2025,” he said.
Delays to other farm payments
Meanwhile, advance payments under the Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS) schemes have been delayed due to industrial action.
The payments were originally scheduled to commence today but have now been postponed until Tuesday, October 27th.
Minister Heydon said his Department remains committed to ensuring that all scheme payments are delivered to farmers as efficiently as possible.
Farmers receiving Eco-Scheme payments can expect the money to appear in their bank accounts in the coming days.
The Department will continue processing outstanding applications as they meet the necessary scheme criteria.
Farmers awaiting payment are being encouraged to submit any outstanding documentation or evidence requested by the Department.
Anyone with queries regarding their Eco-Scheme payments can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk on 057 8674422 or visit MyAgfood.ie.
