Farmers across Ireland have been given an important update on delayed BISS payments, with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Martin Heydon confirming that payments will begin before the weekend. The announcement is expected to ease concern among farmers waiting for both Basic Income Support for Sustainability and Complementary Redistributive Income Support for Sustainability funds.
BISS payments to commence before the weekend
In a press release published by gov.ie on 19 October 2026, Minister Heydon said he had been working intensively to resolve the delays affecting the issuing of BISS and CRISS payments. He confirmed that the payments will now commence before the weekend, helping to reduce the disruption experienced by farmers throughout the country.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine said further details will be provided when they become available. The timing of the announcement will be closely watched by farm families and agricultural organisations, particularly those managing cash flow during a demanding period for rural businesses.
Payments to issue at the higher rate
Minister Heydon also confirmed that the payments will issue at the higher rate of 75%. This follows the recent Eco-scheme payment, under which €203 million was issued to almost 107,000 farmers last Friday.
Direct farm payments such as BISS and CRISS are an important part of agricultural support in Ireland. They contribute to farm income and help underpin economic activity in rural communities, including spending on feed, machinery, labour and essential services.
- BISS provides core income support for eligible farmers.
- CRISS offers complementary redistributive support, particularly within the income-support framework.
- The 75% payment rate is aligned with the recent Eco-scheme payment.
- Further operational information is expected from the Department of Agriculture.
Read more
Latest Irish agriculture and rural affairs news from Daily Digest.
Ireland government announcements and public service updates from Media Digest.
What the announcement means for farmers
The confirmation provides greater clarity for farmers who had been waiting for an indication of when funds would be released. While the Department has not yet published individual payment schedules or confirmed when every eligible applicant will receive funds, payments are due to start before the weekend.
The Minister acknowledged the co-operation of the unions involved and highlighted the importance of the support to farmers and rural Ireland more broadly. The statement reflects the wider role of agricultural payments in supporting farm viability and sustaining local economies.
Farmers should monitor official communications from gov.ie and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for details about processing, eligibility and payment timing. Where a farmer has a specific query about an application, contacting the relevant department support channel is the most reliable way to obtain case-specific information.
Explore more
Ireland rural economy, farming and community developments at Luxe Digest.
Irish public policy and agricultural payment updates from Daily Digest.
Key takeaway on BISS payments
The latest announcement confirms that BISS payments and CRISS payments will begin before the weekend and will issue at the higher 75% rate. Farmers should rely on official Department of Agriculture updates for the next stage of the process and any further payment information.
Article/Image Courtesy: gov.ie
