Budget 2027 expected to include a farm succession incentive plus targeted supports for input costs and capital schemes

# What to know now Budget 2027, due to be delivered on October 6, is expected to include a package of measures targeted at sustaining the family farm model and helping farmers manage rising costs. Central elements flagged for inclusion are a farm succession incentive, extensions or top-ups to existing support schemes for fuel and fertiliser, targeted fodder help for winter, and extra capital funding under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS).

# The succession incentive Government plans reportedly include an incentive aimed at encouraging older farmers to transfer farms to the next generation while allowing the retiring farmer to retain an income. The measure responds to demographic pressure in Irish farming: an Agriland/ICMSA survey reported that one in three farmers intends to exit the sector in the next five years. The proposed incentive is intended to make planned handovers financially viable for both parties and to support generational renewal on family farms.

# Supports for fuel and fertiliser Farmers and contractors can expect an extension of the Fuel Income Support Scheme, which offsets high green diesel costs for primary producers. To date the scheme allocated approximately 20c/L of green diesel used, calculated against verified 2025 consumption receipts, with a minimum payout threshold of €100 and a maximum ceiling of €50,000.

# Fodder and winter readiness Drought in some parts of the country has left fodder reserves, such as silage, below typical levels. Budget 2027 is expected to include measures to help farmers buy in fodder or otherwise manage feed shortages through the winter so livestock can be maintained without excessive financial strain.

# TAMS and capital supports TAMS is likely to receive increased capital funding to help farmers upgrade buildings and equipment. The aim described in reporting is to help farms remain competitive and improve resilience. Stakeholders have previously criticised aspects of the TAMS application and marking system and have called for better funding and fairer access, particularly for older farmers working productive land.

# Wider household and rural supports Beyond farm-specific measures, Budget 2027 is expected to include wider supports that affect rural households: possible income tax adjustments, childcare measures and energy supports. These would affect farm families' disposable incomes and the wider rural economy.

# What farmers are asking for

# Next steps October 6. Farmers, representative bodies and service providers will then monitor scheme details, eligibility rules and funding levels to judge how effective the announced measures are in addressing succession, input costs and winter resilience.