Kildare Minister announces Budget 2025 allocations for farm safety and new market development

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Marine, Martin Heydon T.D., today announced details of funding for farm safety, research and development, and new market development as part of Budget 2025.

Minister Heydon confirmed the securing of €2.5 million in dedicated funding in Budget 2025 to supporting efforts in improving farmers safety, health and wellbeing. This funding will allow for the continuation of existing initiatives as well as the development of new initiatives to improve farm safety and wellness among the farming community.

Minister Heydon said: “I am determined to make Irish farms safer places to live and work. Securing an expansion of the accelerated capital allowances for a broader range of farm safety investments has been a priority of mine. Investments that will now be eligible for accelerated capital allowances include fixed sheep handling units, cattle crushes and races, calving gates, flood lights, livestock monitors and sliding or roller doors. This will provide further support to farmers to invest in facilities and equipment which not only helps to improve farm safety, but also contributes to improving efficiencies on the farm. There is huge appetite among farmers to invest in farm safety with 30% of applications under TAMS 3 to date under the Farm Safety Capital Investment Scheme.”

The accelerated capital allowance scheme for farm safety equipment is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Revenue. An annual budget of €5 million per annum, excluding VAT, has been allocated for the measure.

Farmers can avail of capital allowances of 50% per annum to be claimed over an accelerated two-year period on these investments as opposed to the standard period of eight years for plant and machinery. Farmers availing of the accelerated capital allowances on these important farm safety structures and equipment will also be able to avail of 60% grant aid under TAMS3.

On research and development, Minister Heydon outlined: “I have secured a budget of €21.6 million for research in 2025. Science is at the heart of Irish agriculture, and it is critical that we continue to invest in research, developing the tools for Irish farmers to remain at the cutting edge of efficiency and sustainability. 

“Research has demonstrated the potential of feed additives to reduce methane emissions from livestock, has produced the world’s first national genomic evaluations for methane emissions in Irish beef cattle, and shown that multispecies swards can reduce nitrogen fertiliser requirements. This type of public-good research is now leading to changes in farm practice and contributing to improving the sustainability of Irish agriculture and food production.

“I am proud to be in a position to continue this investment in research through Budget 2025. The resources allocated will allow my Department to issue a new national thematic research call, participate in a range of European co-funded research initiatives in areas such as agro-ecology, animal health and welfare and sustainable food systems, and support a range of other initiatives, such as the new phase of the Research Ireland and DAFM funded VistaMilk Research Centre."

Speaking about new market development, Minister Heydon confirmed that Bord Bia would receive an allocation of €59.5 million and commented: “This funding will support Bord Bia’s work in helping to develop market opportunities at home and abroad.  It is crucial that we invest in new market development once market access is secured. Irish agri-food produce is competing in a competitive global marketplace and communicating our unique strengths around safety, sustainability, and quality is more important than ever as we seek to increase the value of our food exports.”