Kildare applicants sought for scheme that aims to help farmers

The Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations Scheme has reopened for a further round of applications

By Ciarán Mather Published 1st Oct 2026, 13:00 BST Updated 1st Oct 2026, 13:00 BST Kildare applicants sought for scheme that aims to help farmers 'in relevant supply chains' | FILE PHOTOGRAPH / PIXABAY The Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations Scheme has reopened for a further round of applications Applicants from County Kildare are being sought for a newly-reopened scheme that aims to help farmers 'in relevant supply chains', according to a spokesperson for the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

The Minister for Agriculture , Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD (Fine Gael), yesterday announced the reopening of the Early-Stage Support for Producer Organisations (ESSPO) Scheme for a further round of applications from groups seeking official recognition by his Department.

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Speaking on the announcement, Minister Heydon emphasised that Producer Organisations (POs) can help improve the bargaining power of farmers in supply chains.

He elaborated: “New EU legislation on strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain reinforces the role of POs through, among other things, simplifying recognition procedures and reducing transaction costs.”

“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,” he added.

The Newbridge-based Minister continued: “The scheme supports POs during their first three years following recognition.

“Grant funding of up to €10,000 per annum is available to cover eligible administrative costs, including hiring personnel and acquiring relevant technology; this is an important boost in the early stages for Producer Organisations.

“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.”

He concluded: “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.”

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Individuals or groups interested in participating in the scheme are advised by the Department to carefully examine the scheme’s terms and conditions on the Department’s website, seek appropriate advice on establishment and operational matters, and submit applications before the deadline.

The scheme is opened periodically for applications with the current window open from today for a six-week period, until November 11, 2026.

It is envisaged that, after this window closes, there will be another opportunity to submit recognition applications early next year.

Revised scheme terms and conditions, an approved facilitator list, and application forms can be viewed on the Department’s official website .

Scheme applications and queries should be directed to the email address [email protected] .