After the government announced last month that the “Forgotten Farmers Scheme” is now open for online applications, the Irish Farmers Association (IFA) promptly called for a more ambitious iteration of the scheme, as well as an extension to the application timeframe. IFA Rural Development Chairman John Curran claimed that the scheme as set out by the Department falls “far short” of expectations and would exclude many farmers who should be eligible for support.
But what exactly is the Forgotten Farmers Scheme? Who is it for, and what are its restrictions? Here’s what you need to know.
What is the Forgotten Farmers Scheme
The official title of the new scheme is actually the Scheme to Support Long Established Young Farmers. This group within the farming community is often referred to as the “forgotten farmers”. Government classifies “forgotten farmers” as those who had established themselves in farming pre-2008 and:
- Were still under the age of 40 in 2015
- Did not receive young farmer Installation Aid
- Were ineligible to receive young farmer supports under CAP from 2015 onwards.
This group constitutes a larger proportion of the farming community than one would expect, and a sum of €5 million has been allocated to the new scheme in Budget 2025. The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine says that successful applicants for support may receive up to €5,000, depending on scheme uptake.
Am I eligible?
The eligibility criteria for the Scheme to Support Long Established Young Farmers are restrictive, leading to some pushback from farmers and farming organisations. In order to be deemed eligible, you must:
- Have submitted a BISS application with a herd number on which you are included, in the year 2025.
- Have completed and submitted an application under the Basic Payment Scheme in 2015, with a herd number on which you are included.
- Be aged no more than 40 in 2015 (born on or after 1 January 1975).
- Have set up as the head of an agricultural holding for the first time on or before 31st December 2007.
- Have successfully completed a recognised agricultural education course at FETAC Level 6 or equivalent by 29th May 2015.
- Did not previously benefit under the Young Farmer Installation Aid Scheme (Installation Aid)
- Did not benefit under the Basic Payment Scheme National Reserve, including allocations under the Scottish Derogation.
IFA Response
According to the IFA, these criteria are excluding farmers who need and deserve support, and who should be classified as “forgotten farmers”. IFA Rural Development Chairman, John Curran, stated recently that the Association has received large numbers of calls from farmers about their likely exclusion based on the stated criteria. The IFA is also concerned about the short application timeline (applications close on 13 August 2025) and the meagre size of the payment.
Mr Curran said the IFA has sought a meeting with the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. He argued that the Association’s position is clear and that “commitments made in Budget 2025 for increased funding allocations will need to be honoured.” Of particular concern to the IFA is the fact that farmers who started farming after 2008 will be excluded from the scheme. Mr Curran stated that a “more ambitious Long Established Young Farmer scheme has to be delivered that caters for all eligible farmers, including those starting out in 2008 and thereafter.”
Are application requirements onerous?
In addition to the strict eligibility criteria, the IFA is also concerned about the lack of clarity around the application requirements. It seems that many farmers are finding it difficult to get answers to their queries about the application’s paperwork and the need to assemble extensive supporting documentation, such as educational qualifications. These requirements have led the IFA to call for an extension to the application deadline, which for now is 13 August 2025.
