Farming organisations have pushed back against the proposed Eco Scheme amendments, some calling it a “meaningless measure”, and others calling for a reversal. Commenting on the proposed changes to the scheme, the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) questioned how these changes work with the "simplification agenda". ICMSA deputy president Eamon Carroll has pushed back against the proposed changes to the ECO Scheme 2026 ‘Space for Nature’ option. “Whoever decided this should be asked to explain their position publicly and detail why, for instance, hedgerows are excluded? Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) rural development chair John Curran has called on the department to quickly reverse the proposed changes to the Eco Scheme calculations.

Source: Irish Examiner January 27, 2026 15:52 UTC