The application process for the 2026 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS), Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability (CRISS), Eco-Schemes and other related schemes is now open.
Farmers are already beginning to receive BISS information packs in the post containing their maps and land details for 2026. This information will assist farmers and their advisors to make their online application. Farmers are urged to engage early with their advisors, to avail of the opening of the application process now rather than waiting until nearer the closing date of the Friday, 15 May 2026.
Farmers can apply for all elements of Direct Payments (BISS, Eco-Schemes, Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, Protein Aid, National Reserve, transferring of entitlements) online. This helps to ensure that the department can process all applications under these schemes as efficiently as possible.
Farmers are reminded to check that they have correctly applied for the Areas of Natural Constraints (ANC), Eco-Scheme, and continued participation in Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers, if applicable. Annual payment claims for the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM); Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Organic Farming Scheme can also be made online.
The Terms and Conditions should be read carefully, in particular if you are a tillage farmer, please see changes around (Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions) GAEC 7 (Crop Rotation and Diversification in Arable Lands).
Should farmers wish to contact the department in relation to an online application they can do so at:
- 049 4368288 in relation to queries on registering for www.agfood.ie – for example queries on lost passwords, how to register
- 057 8674422 in relation to queries on completing the BISS application once registered on www.agfood.ie or to request a paper copy of the Terms and Conditions
As part of the Terms and Conditions for 2026 a new section regarding Farm Safety, Health and Wellbeing has been included. This text is there to remind farmers of their obligations but also the support available through schemes like the TAMS3 Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme to assist them to make their work environment safer.
For further information visit the Department’s website at www.gov.ie/farmsafety.
To learn more about supports under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027, click here.




