SCHEME HUB
ACRES — Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme
ACRES is the Department of Agriculture's main agri-environment scheme. It pays farmers to manage land in ways that protect water, habitats and biodiversity — up to €7,311 a year on the General track and €10,500 on the Co-operation track. Over 50,000 farmers are in the scheme across two tranches.
Everything we've published on ACRES in one place: what the measures pay, how the results-based scoring works, payment dates, and how to save hours on the paperwork. Applications are currently closed to new entrants — but if you're one of the farmers already in, this is your money page.
Updated 8 July 2026
ACRES at a glance
| Maximum payment — ACRES General | €7,311 per year (DAFM rate card) |
| Maximum payment — ACRES Co-operation | €10,500 per year, including €3,500 for non-productive investments and landscape actions |
| Participants | Over 50,000 farmers across Tranche 1 and Tranche 2 |
| New applications | Closed. Both tranches are full and DAFM has indicated no plans for a third tranche |
| 2025 advance payments | Began issuing early November 2025 |
| 2025 balancing payments | Scheduled by DAFM from late May 2026 |
| Results-based scoring | Low-input grassland pays €250–€400/ha depending on your field score (4–10), plus a €50/ha late-meadow bonus |
Figures from the DAFM ACRES payment rate card and DAFM payment updates. Rates and dates change between scheme years — always confirm against the current terms and conditions on gov.ie or with your ACRES advisor.
Every ACRES article we've published
Using AI to Build Your ACRES Action Plan: What It Can Draft and What It Can't
AI won't submit your ACRES application — but it can draft the action plan sections, flag what's m…
Water Protection and AI: How Irish Farmers Can Document What They're Doing for ACRES, EPA, and Origin Green
Most Irish farmers doing the right thing on water protection have no evidence to show for it. Her…
ACRES 2026: the plain-English guide to what you're entitled to
ACRES payments can be worth thousands — here's what you can claim and how to make sure you're not…
Save Hours Every Month on ACRES Compliance Across All Your Parcels
Track ACRES compliance across every parcel without drowning in paperwork or missing a deadline
Stop missing grant deadlines — set up AI alerts in 5 minutes and save yourself thousands
Missing a scheme deadline costs you a full year's payment — here's how to set up free AI-powered …
Cut your ACRES paperwork in half with one free AI tool
Common questions
How much does ACRES pay per year?
ACRES General pays up to €7,311 per year. ACRES Co-operation, for farms in priority areas, pays up to €10,500 including non-productive investments. What you actually get depends on the actions on your plan and, for results-based actions, your field scores.
Is ACRES open to new applicants in 2026?
No. Both tranches are closed and DAFM has indicated there are no plans for a third tranche under the current CAP. If you're already in the scheme, your annual commitments and payments continue.
When are ACRES payments made?
Advance payments normally issue from November, with balancing payments the following year — DAFM scheduled 2025 balancing payments from late May 2026. If your payment is late, it's usually a query on your case; contact your advisor or DAFM.
What is the difference between ACRES General and ACRES Co-operation?
ACRES General is open country-wide and pays for a menu of actions you choose. Co-operation covers designated high-priority areas — you work with a local project team, more of your payment is results-based, and the ceiling is higher at €10,500.
Official sources
We translate — we don't advise. Always confirm scheme details, deadlines, and payments with DAFM or your agricultural advisor.