Longford TD welcomes over €3.3 million in eco-scheme funds for farmers
According to the latest figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a total of €3,368,526 is being issued to 2,167 farmers in Longford as part of this initial payment wave
The official rollout of the 2026 Eco-Scheme advance payments has been welcomed by Longford TD Micheál Carrigy and he said it will deliver a significant financial boost to farming families and the wider rural economy across County Longford.
According to the latest figures released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, a total of €3,368,526 is being issued to 2,167 farmers in Longford as part of this initial payment wave.
Deputy Carrigy, who stated he was very pleased, said, "Farming is the backbone of our community in Longford, and these timely advance payments provide vital financial security at a critical time of the year.
"This massive €3.3 million injection will directly support 2,167 local farming families who are proactively undertaking environmental actions to protect our climate, water quality, and biodiversity."
The 2026 Eco-Scheme advance payments are commencing at an elevated rate of 75%, which is 5% higher than the rate paid in recent years.
"Nationwide, the initial rollout is worth over €195.2 million to more than 104,000 farmers. The standard payment rate is maintained at €66 per eligible hectare."
Deputy Carrigy noted that funds will begin appearing in farmers’ bank accounts over the coming days. He also urged any local farmers with outstanding requirements to act quickly:
"I want to ensure all remaining eligible cases are processed as quickly as possible. I highly encourage any farmers with outstanding requests for documentation to return them immediately.
"Furthermore, if you have applied under Agricultural Practice three or five, please upload your closing stocks to the National Fertiliser Database to prevent any avoidable payment delays."
Local farmers who wish to query their applications can contact the Direct Payments Helpdesk at 057 8674422 or submit an inquiry online at www.MyAgfood.ie.