€2 million lifeline for Louth tillage farmers

The news that a total of €2,086,384, in payments under the Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme have commenced to 484 farmers in Louth has been welcomed by Louth Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly.

Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., has announced payments totalling €32.4 million will be issued to farmers through the scheme. Deputy Butterly said: “Last spring, Government recognised the difficult position tillage and horticultural farmers found themselves in due to exceptionally poor weather and continued high input costs.

“As part of Budget 2025, funding was secured to deliver on the Government’s commitment for a €100 per hectare payment to support tillage and horticulture growers who planted crops for the 2024 harvest.

“The tillage and horticultural sectors are exceptionally important to the Irish agri-food sector and Louth, and we wanted to ensure that supports were in place to assist farmers.”

Minister Heydon said: “Payment of €100 per hectare will be made on eligible tillage and horticulture crops that were declared on farmers’ 2024 BISS applications. These payments will be visible in farmers’ bank accounts in the coming days.”

Farmers wishing to contact the department regarding their Tillage and Horticulture Support Scheme payments, can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or by email to [email protected]