The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine received 1,128 applications for the On-Farm Biosecurity Scheme by the closing date of 7 June 2026.

A spokesperson for the Department told the Irish Farmers Journal that as of 21 July, 1,094 approval letters issued to eligible farmers and 13 applications were not approved as those farmers did not meet the eligibility requirements.

It added that it is processing all outstanding applications with queries.

Under the scheme grant aid will be paid at 40% of expenditure on eligible materials including water and feed troughs and fencing to restrict access from bovines to badger setts.

The maximum investment in the scheme is €2,000 excluding VAT while the minimum investment is €500, ie a minimum grant aid of €200.

The deadline for completing investments is 31 August 2026.

Approved co-ops

The Department’s spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal that there are 43 approved co-operatives and agri-retail merchants under the scheme from which farmers can purchase items.

A list can be found at www.bovinetb.ie along with the terms and conditions of the scheme.

It added that farmers may not change the co-op or agri-retail merchant that they selected at the time of application.

Farmers must present their approval letter at their selected premises to purchase materials.