On 50 hectares, that's around €7,500 a year (our sum: 50 × €150). Young farmers also get 100% stock relief, stamp duty relief under 35, and the 60% TAMS rate.
Quick facts
- Payment
- About €150 a hectare
- Maximum area
- 50 hectares
- How long
- Up to 5 years
- Age
- 40 or under in your first application year
- Education
- Level 6 in agriculture
- 2026 deadline
- 15 May
The young farmer payment
"The Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers is a payment made to farmers under the age of 40 who are educated in agriculture to help them succeed in farming. It can be paid for up to 5 years."
"The Young Farmers Scheme payment is made per eligible hectare, subject to a maximum of 50 hectares. Payments should average approximately €150 per eligible hectare over the 5-year term of the scheme."
Who qualifies
- "Be aged no more than 40 years of age at any time during the calendar year in which s/he first submits an application under the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers;"
- "Be setting up a holding as head of the holding, solely or jointly, for the first time or has set up such a holding during the five years preceding the first submission of an application"
- "Have successfully completed a recognised course of education in agriculture giving rise to an award at Level 6 or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications by 15th May 2026;"
- A valid BISS application holding at least one payment entitlement
Partnerships and companies can qualify if you solely or jointly control the decisions.
Applying
"Applications under the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers must be submitted on or before 15 May 2026 through agfood.ie ." Existing participants tick it on the BISS application; new applicants apply separately. The National Reserve uses the same terms and contact: nationalreserveYFS@agriculture.gov.ie.
Other help for young farmers
Stock relief at 100% for young trained farmers, stamp duty relief on land transfers under 35, the Succession Farm Partnership tax credit, and the 60% TAMS rate for the Young Farmer Capital Investment Scheme. See our guides on each.
Common questions
How much is the young farmer payment in Ireland?
The Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers averages about €150 a hectare on up to 50 hectares, for up to 5 years.
What age do you have to be for the young farmer scheme?
No more than 40 at any time during the calendar year you first apply.
What qualification do I need for CIS-YF?
A recognised agricultural course at Level 6 or equivalent on the National Framework of Qualifications.
When is the CIS-YF deadline?
15 May 2026, through agfood.ie.
- €7,500 — 50 hectares × €150 = €7,500 a year