O’Shea Welcomes New National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme for Cork North West Farmers

Cork North West Fine Gael TD John Paul O’Shea has welcomed the announcement by Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, of the new National Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme, which will provide €30 million in funding to support tillage farmers in 2026.

Deputy O’Shea said the scheme will be particularly important for tillage farmers across Cork North West who have faced significant financial pressures in recent years.

“Tillage farming plays a vital role in the sustainability and strength of our agri-food sector, and I know from speaking directly to farmers across Cork North West that the past two years have been extremely challenging. Lower international grain prices combined with high input costs have put real pressure on margins for local growers,” Deputy O’Shea said.

The new €30 million scheme, secured as part of Budget 2026, will provide a degressive rate of payment to eligible applicants who declared cereal and oilseed rape crops on their 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability (BISS) and other area-based applications.

“This scheme is a very important measure to help stabilise the sector and provide certainty for farmers as they plan for the season ahead. Tillage farmers in areas such as Kanturk, Charleville, Macroom, Mallow, Newmarket and throughout Cork North West are key contributors to our rural economy, and this financial support will help underpin their work and encourage continued production,” he added.

Deputy O’Shea also noted that the scheme reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting the tillage sector and delivering on commitments outlined in the Programme for Government and the Food Vision Tillage Group Report.

“We want to see the tillage sector grow and remain competitive. Supporting carbon-efficient farming systems and strengthening our domestic grain production is essential for food security, sustainability and rural livelihoods,” he said.

Deputy O’Shea is encouraging all eligible farmers in Cork North West to review the scheme details and ensure they avail of the support available.

Farmers wishing to contact the Department regarding the Tillage Sustainability Support Scheme can ring the Direct Payments Helpline at 057-8674422 or email tillage@agriculture.gov.ie