ACRES Non-Productive Investments Application Window Opens

by John Murphy | Jul 3, 2026 | Climate Change, Farm Viability, Green Architecture

The application system for Non-Productive Investments (NPIs), is now open to farmers participating in the co-operation approach of the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES).

The application window for 2026 is the fourth application window for NPIs and the same application process is in place as for the previous application windows in 2023, 2024 and last year. The application window for 2026 is opening a month earlier than 2025 and coincides with ACRES advisors actively assessing and scoring lands for ACRES payments on farmland. 

Applications may be submitted, from 1 July 2026 to 14 October 2026, for Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) by ACRES advisors making the application on behalf of their ACRES Co-operation clients by completing and submitting an NPI Annual Works Plans (AWP) through the Generic Land Management (GLAM) mapping system maintained by DAFM.

This will be the last opportunity that ACRES Co-operation participants who were approved into ACRES under Tranche 1 (that is, from 2023) have to apply for NPIs as ACRES Tranche 1 contracts end on 31 December 2027.

ACRES Co-operation farmers are urged to look at the options available to them in the form of NPIs so that NPI applications may be prepared and submitted this year by the closing date of 14 October 2026.

Just under €8.5 million has already been paid out to date in respect of the implementation of the NPIs approved from the 2023 and 2024 application windows, with more to be paid out upon the implementation of those approved from the 2025 application window.

Farmers and their ACRES Advisors should appraise themselves of the publication of updated specifications for the implementation of approved NPIs. ACRES Co-operation participants for whom NPIsare approved must adhere to the requirements set out in the ACRES Co-operation Non-Productive InvestmentsSpecification document Version 2.2 of July 2026, which is available on the Department’s website at ACRES Co-operation - NPI Specifications Version 2-2

A circular giving a summary of the changes will be sent to ACRES Advisors for information and will also be published on the Department’s website.

To learn more about ACRES, click here.

CAP Network Ireland
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.