This was introduced mid-year in response to a spike in fuel costs, which is why many people who qualify have never heard of it. It covers a fixed window — March to the end of July 2026 — so the question now is whether you were eligible for that period and whether you have applied.
Quick facts
- Rate
- Anticipated 20 cent per litre of MGO
- Period
- March to the end of July 2026
- Budget
- €20 million a month, five months
- Based on
- Historic usage of marked gas oil (green diesel)
- Farmers apply
- Online on myagfood.ie
- Contractors
- Separate form, plus DAFM client and bank registration
What it is
"The Fuel Income Support Scheme has been introduced as a targeted income support to assist farmers, agricultural contractors and fishers facing unprecedented increases in fuel costs. The payments will cover the months of March up to the end of July 2026, which coincides with peak fuel usage on farms."
"This included a Fuel Income Support Scheme for farming and fisheries totalling €20 million per month for the five-month period March to July 2026 to be paid based on historic usage of Marked Gas Oil (MGO ‘green diesel’)"
"The rate of payment subject to respecting the overall budget is anticipated to be 20 cent per litre of MGO" — anticipated and subject to the budget, so the final rate can differ if more is claimed than was set aside.
Farmers
You must have "submitted a Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) application in 2025 and was deemed as an active farmer in 2025." and have "Has continued to actively farm in 2026 and will submit a valid BISS application."
For pigs and poultry: "In the case of Intensive enterprise like pig or poultry, be registered with DAFM in 2025 as a producer and continue to do so in 2026."
New entrants are not shut out: "New Entrants to farming in 2026, will be considered where they have applied for a herdnumber on or before 15 May 2026 and have submitted a BISS 2026 Application and are deemed an active farmer."
"A farmer or their agent can apply online via the Department’s Myagfood.ie system."
Agricultural and forestry contractors
A contractor is one who "provides agricultural or forestry services,", "is registered for VAT and tax compliant.", and operated as a contractor in 2025 and continues in 2026.
"New entrants to Agriculture/Forestry Contracting in 2026 will be considered where they are VAT registered and can provide receipts for MGO purchased for use in 2026."
The step contractors miss: "Agricultural/Forestry Contractors will also need to need to register as a client of DAFM and provide their bank details to allow for payment processing." An application without that registration cannot be paid.
Common questions
How much is the Fuel Income Support Scheme?
The rate of payment is anticipated to be 20 cent per litre of marked gas oil, based on historic usage, subject to respecting the overall budget of €20 million per month.
What period does it cover?
March up to the end of July 2026, which coincides with peak fuel usage on farms.
Who can apply?
Farmers who submitted a 2025 BISS application and were deemed active, and who continue to farm in 2026; registered pig and poultry producers; and agricultural or forestry contractors who are VAT registered and tax compliant. Fishers are also covered.
I only started farming in 2026. Can I apply?
Yes, if you applied for a herd number on or before 15 May 2026, submitted a 2026 BISS application and are deemed an active farmer.
How do contractors apply?
By downloading the contractor application form, and also registering as a client of DAFM and providing bank details so payment can be processed.