Farm Advisory System (FAS)

Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No. 2021/2115 of the European Parliament and of the Councilrequires Member States to provide a Farm Advisory System (FAS).

The aim of the FAS is to ensure that Advisors have the appropriate skills, knowledge and competency to provide suitable advice to farmers on a range of issues including but not limited to, land eligibility, conditionality, scheme applications and to help farmers to meet their obligations and avoid financial reductions under EU and nationally funded Schemes.

An approved FAS advisor should act as a ‘general consultant’, linking all the different elements of farming with the various compliance requirements.

The existence of FAS ensures that each farmer can seek and receive advice on their obligations. The use of the FAS is voluntary.

For queries contact farmadvisorysystem@agriculture.gov.ie

List of Approved Advisors

FAS Advisor List Updated – 16 April 2025

Education

To be accredited as a Farm Advisory System (FAS) Advisor, minimum educational attainments are required:

Educational Qualifications required to become a FAS Advisor

• Hold a primary degree qualification at Level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) in Agricultural Science, and,

• Have taken soil science and animal or crop production subjects as part of the Level 8 Degree or have taken soil science and animal or crop production subjects equivalent to that delivered as part of the Level 8 degree as part of another qualification.

A Degree Transcript from the relevant institution will be sought by DAFM for verification.

Professional Indemnity Insurance

Professional Indemnity Insurance to the value of at least €150,000 per FAS Advisor is required. Compliance with this requirement is subject to regular checks by DAFM.

Acceptance of Terms and Conditions

FAS Advisors are required to accept DAFM Terms and Conditions for FAS approval on an annual basis and complete mandatory training to retain this approval.