Key facts
- The Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture has opened.
- The scheme provides a one-off payment to eligible growers.
- It aims to mitigate increased fuel costs for specialist horticulture.
- The scheme is part of a €100 million government allocation for fuel income supports.
- Up to €2 million is provided for this specific horticulture scheme.
- Eligibility is based on recorded fuel usage for primary production last year.
- Applications are open until June 24, 2026.
The Fuel Support Scheme for Specialist Horticulture has been announced, offering a one-off payment to eligible growers to help offset recent substantial increases in fuel costs. This initiative is part of a broader €100 million government allocation dedicated to fuel income supports, with up to €2 million specifically designated for this horticulture scheme. Ministers Martin Heydon and Niall Collins highlighted the significant pressure the sector faces due to rising input costs, emphasizing that this financial support is critical for maintaining the economic viability of specialist horticulture growers. The scheme is open to commercial growers of specific crops such as tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, strawberries, chillies, herbs, and hydroponically-grown lettuce, provided they are produced in eligible structures using eligible fuel. Eligibility will be determined by recorded fuel usage from the previous year. Applications will be accepted online until midnight on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. Payments will be disbursed only after the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine receives state aid approval from the EU Commission, as the scheme operates under the Temporary Crisis Framework.