Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) aims to directly support Irish farmers by ensuring their ongoing sustainability and viability. By boosting farm incomes, the intervention contributes to maintaining a secure food supply.

Teagasc’s National Farm Survey in 2019 revealed that, on average, 78% of Family Farm Income comes from direct payments. The analysis emphasised the significance of direct payments in supporting viability, especially considering the lower income levels in the agri-food sector compared to other industries.

BISS follows the footsteps of its predecessor, the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

To qualify for BISS, beneficiaries must:

• Submit a BISS application annually through the online system, declaring their farmland within Ireland.
• Meet the minimum requirements for receiving a direct payment as defined under Article 15 (a) of the CSP Regulations.
• Fulfil the criteria for being an “active farmer.”
• Hold one BISS payment entitlement for each eligible claimed hectare.

Applicants must apply through the online system based on the previous BPS structure. BISS payments will be determined by eligible hectares held by the applicant, with a proposed maximum payment of €66,000 before capping.