96% of ACRES payments issued to farmers

ACRES payments of €222.6 million have been issued to farmers since the beginning of November - which means 96% of participants have received their 2025 advance payment.

The Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES), introduced by former Fianna Fáil Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue, is a farm-focused initiative aimed at tackling biodiversity decline while providing vital income support to almost 54,000 farm families across Ireland support by EU funding.

Welcoming the update, Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith said: “I have long advocated for timely ACRES payments to farmers, and the fact that 96% of payments have now been processed is a clear signal that the Department is responding to those concerns. Farmers need to be financially backed for the good environmental work they are doing."

ACRES has been a game-changer in accelerating the achievement of the State’s environmental goals through the hard work and dedication of farming families across Cavan, Monaghan and beyond outlined Deputy Smith: “Farmers have planted over 24,500 hectares of catch crops, helping to reduce nutrient leaching and prevent soil erosion. In addition, more than 55,000 hectares of land are being actively managed to provide undisturbed foraging areas to support overwintering geese and swans."

Over 2,300 kilometres of new hedgerows have been planted under ACRES to date, along with more than half a million trees. These provide benefits such as enhanced biodiversity, shade and shelter for livestock, and reduced soil erosion.

Deputy Smith said that former Minister Charlie McConalogue showed foresight and leadership in engaging constructively with farmers to deliver environmental benefits that will be felt for generations to come.

Adding: “There are significant environmental benefits accruing over the five-year lifetime of the scheme, with approximately 25% of agricultural land now entered into ACRES by just under 54,000 farmers. The results-based payments are specifically designed to incentivise and reward farmers who deliver stronger environmental outcomes on their land."