Farmers participating in two eco scheme measures – AP3 (limiting chemical nitrogen usage) and AP5 (GPS fertiliser spreader or sprayer) should note that sanctioning of their 2026 eco scheme payment is dependent on declaring closing stocks of fertiliser.

The Department explains that eco scheme payments for 2026, which are due to commence on 23 October 2026, cannot be processed until a fertiliser declaration is submitted.

Farmers concerned will have received a letter from the Department of Agriculture explaining such in recent weeks.

It is also important to note that a declaration of closing stocks of fertiliser must be made even where no fertiliser is on hand and this is known as a ‘nil’ declaration.

The closing date for all farmers to submit their closing stocks of fertiliser is 15 October 2026.

Declarations must be submitted online via the MyAgfood.ie portal by a farmer or an approve farm advisory system (FAS) adviser approved to act on their behalf.