Key facts
- A €20 million outdoor recreation scheme was launched for 2026-2027.
- The Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme has invested over €150 million in more than 2,000 projects historically.
- 1,100 work permits were issued to the agri sector in the first five months of 2026.
- Work permits for the agri sector increased by 10% compared to the previous year.
- Farm families are advised to start succession planning in summer 2026 for an autumn transfer.
- A horse-assisted mental wellbeing program for farmers returns for 2026.
- Agriland is launching a series called 'Groundbreakers' about women in Irish agriculture.
- 2026 is declared the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the UN.
- FBD has launched Pig Farming Awards and a €10,000 Innovation Bursary.
- Entries for the FBD Pig Farming Awards open on June 10, 2026.
- Winners of the FBD Pig Farming Awards will be announced on October 14, 2026.
- Bord Bia Quality Assurance is part of the Origin Green program.
Ireland's agricultural and rural landscape is the focus of several new and ongoing initiatives. Minister Dara Calleary has launched the 2026-2027 Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme (ORIS), allocating €20 million for the development and maintenance of outdoor recreational facilities in rural areas. This scheme, now in its tenth year, has previously invested over €150 million in more than 2,000 projects.
The agricultural sector is also experiencing increased labor and specialized support. In the first five months of 2026, the agriculture, forestry, and fishing sector received 1,100 work permits, marking a 10% increase compared to the previous year. These permits are primarily for roles in meat processing, horticulture, and dairy farms.
Support for farmer wellbeing and professional development is also being highlighted. A fully funded mental wellbeing coaching program for farmers, utilizing horses, is returning for 2026, offering one-to-one or group sessions to help participants manage stress and build resilience at no cost. Furthermore, farm families are advised by Teagasc farm adviser Eimear Hughes to commence succession planning discussions in the summer of 2026, aiming for an autumn transfer of farm operations to avoid potential legal, financial, and family complications.
Initiatives are also underway to recognize and promote specific areas within agriculture. Agriland is launching a new series titled 'Groundbreakers,' supported by FBD Insurance, to spotlight the contributions of women in Irish agriculture, coinciding with the UN's declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. FBD has also introduced the FBD Pig Farming Awards 2026 and a €10,000 Innovation Bursary to acknowledge achievements in pig production, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and industry leadership, with entries opening on June 10, 2026, and winners announced on October 14, 2026.
Finally, maintaining high standards in production is emphasized. Bord Bia Quality Assurance, a component of the Origin Green program, is highlighted as crucial for upholding Ireland's reputation for high-quality, sustainable meat and dairy production, with guidance provided for businesses preparing for upcoming audits.