Are you planning to enter a Registered Farm Partnership in 2026? If so, Collaborative Farming Specialist at Teagasc, Ruth Fennell reminds us of an important upcoming deadline.

For those planning to apply for a new Registered Farm Partnership (RFP) for 2026, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine’s Partnerships Office has confirmed that fully completed RFP applications must be submitted by February 2 to ensure herd owners receive a partnership number in advance of the May 15 BISS application closing date.

Applications cannot be processed where herd number changes have not been completed, so it is vital that anyone changing herd registration details submits the ER1 form as soon as possible. Template partnership and on-farm agreements, along with all required documentation, are available on the Teagasc website. Completed RFP applications should be emailed to RFPApplications@agriculture.gov.ie.

For those who miss the February 2 deadline, applications can still be submitted, and the Partnerships Office will make every effort to process them, but there is no guarantee that a partnership number will issue before the BISS closing date. In this case, the BISS application may be submitted under a reference number, which is later linked to the partnership number once issued. It should be noted that this may result in a delay in issuing of payments later in the year, so where possible the February 2 deadline should be targeted.

RFPs offer numerous advantages, including bringing the next generation into the business at an earlier stage and formally recognising their role in the running of the farm. They can also facilitate collaboration between unrelated parties, such as neighbouring farmers or young farmers partnering with experienced operators. The partnership structure provides strong legal protection for all parties. Additional benefits include increased TAMS funding, enhanced stock relief for all partners, and an efficient approach to tax management.

For new RFPs that include a qualified young farmer, the partnership may apply for a Collaborative Farming Grant once the partnership number has been issued. This grant helps cover professional costs associated with establishing the partnership. It has a ceiling of €3,000 at a rate of 50% (maximum payment of €1,500). Eligible partnerships will be invited by the Partnerships Office to apply after the partnership number has issued.

Teagasc recently hosted a webinar on completing the partnership application, which can be viewed below:

For further information, contact your Teagasc advisor or visit the Teagasc Farm Partnerships webpage.