OVER 10,500 Galway farmers have received advance payments under the Eco-Scheme over the past week, sharing a pot of €15.1 million – the equivalent of €1,440 per individual applicant.

The Galway allocation is part of the national pay-out of €194.5 million to almost 110,000 farmers across the Republic of Ireland, which ‘rewards’ farmers for undertaking actions beneficial to the climate, water quality, environment and biodiversity.

The Eco payment comes just days after 10,600 Galway farmers received over €40 million [average payment of nearly €3,800] under the BISS scheme [Basic Income Support for Sustainability].

Minister for Agriculture, Martin Heydon, said this week that 93% of all 2025 Eco-Scheme eligible applicants had been paid in line with the Department’s commitment under The Farmers’ Charter to pay 90% of eligible applicants.”

“The Eco-Scheme advance payments commenced at a rate of 70% which is the same rate paid in 2024 and 2023.

“I would however urge any farmers with outstanding requests for documentation from my Department – for example receipts for planting trees/ hedges for Agricultural Practice 4 – to return them, to allow payments to issue as soon as possible,” said the Minister.

A number of Galway Oireachtas members have welcomed the payments this week including Fianna Fáil Senator, Anne Rabbitte, who said that farmers were the backbone of the economy and rural communities.

“They [farmers] deliver world-class produce that supports international trade, and it is essential that they are supported in doing so. In Fianna Fáil, we remain firmly committed to supporting farmers and the agri-food sector.

“The Eco-Scheme is one of the key levers that ensures vital farm payments are not just protected but strengthened into the future,” said Senator Rabbitte.

Meanwhile, Minister of State Seán Canney, said that the announcement represented a vital boost for family farms across rural Galway building on last BISS and CRISS payments.

“The Eco-Scheme is about rewarding farmers who are taking tangible steps to protect biodiversity and improve water and soil quality.

These payments are a practical acknowledgment of that commitment and a welcome injection into the rural economy at a crucial time of year,” said Minister Canney.

Advance payments under the Eco-Scheme start at a rate of 70%, consistent with 2024 and 2023 levels, with 93% of eligible farmers paid: the full payment rate for 2025 is €66 per eligible hectare.

■ Farmers can contact the Department regarding their Eco-Scheme payments by phoning the Direct Payments Helpdesk at: 057-8674422, while they can also submit queries online via: www.MyAgfood.ie.

Pictured: Senator Anne Rabbitte: Farmers are the backbone of rural Ireland.