The Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations Scheme (ESSPO) has been reopened by Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon for a further round of applications.

Producer organisations (PO) are officially recognised entities set up by primary producers to increase the collective bargaining power of their members and ultimately improve the position of farmers in the value chain.

The scheme supports POs during their first three years following recognition.

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Grant funding of up to €10,000 per annum is available to cover eligible administrative costs, including hiring personnel and acquiring relevant technology.

In addition, a separate grant of up to €3,000 is provided to refund fees for legal and business advice obtained on matters related to PO formation and application submission.

Criteria

The criteria for the recognition of POs require that they are established at the initiative of active farmers producing agricultural products of the soil or of stock farming. Additionally, POs must be controlled in accordance with rules that enable their farmer members to democratically scrutinise their organisation and its decisions.

“New EU legislation on strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain reinforces the role of producer organisations through, among other things, simplifying recognition procedures and reducing transaction costs,” the Minister commented.

“The new rules allow for PO recognition following a single request covering multiple sectors or products, rather than the current requirement of a single request covering one specific sector.

“I believe that there is further scope to increase the number of Producer Organisations in Ireland. Reopening the scheme for a fresh tranche of applications allows more POs to gain formal recognition and financial support.

“Ongoing support is needed during a PO’s early years and, in the absence of other supports, ESSPO funding to give them the necessary impetus at the outset.”

Current window

The scheme is opened periodically for applications with the current window open from today for a six-week period, until 11 November 2026. It is envisaged that, after this window closes, there will be another opportunity to submit recognition applications early next year.

Scheme terms and conditions, approved facilitator lists and application forms are available here.

Applications and queries on the scheme should be directed to the dedicated email address PO@agriculture.gov.ie.