National Reserve (New Farmer Category)

The National Reserve (New Farmer Category) scheme provides income support to people setting up a farm.

To qualify for National Reserve (New Farmer Category), you must have:

• submitted 2025 Basic Income Support for Sustainability scheme application under a herd number on which you are included

• started farming in 2022 or later

• not farmed previously

• finished a recognised course of education in agriculture achieving an award at Level 6 on the National Framework of Qualifications 6 or its equivalent by 15 May 2025.

If you are farming as part of a group, for example a partnership or a company, the group may be considered eligible for the scheme. See the conditions of the scheme at the bottom of this page.

Successful applicants to the National Reserve receive an allocation of entitlements at national average value or a top-up to the national average value on entitlements that are below that level.

The maximum number of entitlements or top-ups allocated per applicant is 50.

Applications under the National Reserve scheme must be submitted on or before May 2025 through agfood.ie.

If your login or password are expired and need to be renewed please contact the Department’s helpdesk at 057 8674422. Alternatively, you can authorise an agricultural consultant or Teagasc advisor to apply on your behalf.

You must read the Terms and Conditions

2025

2025