Mayo farmers set to benefit from major €12 billion EU boost agricultural research funding

A major increase in EU funding for agricultural research has been approved by the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, in a move welcomed by Mayo-based MEP Maria Walsh.

The committee has backed a €12 billion boost for agricultural research under the next Horizon Europe programme, which will run from 2028 to 2034.

The overall budget for the EU’s flagship research and innovation programme is set to rise to €175 billion, almost double the current allocation, creating new opportunities for Irish farmers, researchers and rural enterprises.

MEP Walsh, who serves as the European People’s Party’s lead negotiator on the Agriculture Committee’s opinion, said the decision is particularly important for counties like Mayo, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the local economy.

“As one of the key negotiators on Horizon Europe, my priority has always been to increase the funding available to Irish farmers and our fisheries sector,” she said.

Under the proposals, funding for agricultural research would increase from €19.5 billion to €31.5 billion, with at least 50% specifically ringfenced for agriculture, food production and food security.

READ MORE: €750,000 scheme opens to preserve traditional farm buildings

MEP Walsh said a key focus is ensuring research delivers practical benefits on the ground.

“Our focus must be on making research relevant to the lives and businesses of farmers,” she said. “Many of the challenges faced by the Irish agricultural sector can be solved before they are ever encountered on a farm, if we directly involve farmers in Horizon.”

The Fine Gael MEP also highlighted the inclusion of the fisheries sector in the programme, describing it as a long-overdue development.

“The fisheries sector has long been overlooked within Horizon Europe, and I wanted to correct that,” she said.

Ireland has already benefited significantly from EU research funding, with more than €1.2 billion secured by Irish organisations in the current programme cycle.

A number of Irish-led projects have been supported under Horizon Europe, including initiatives focused on farm safety, gender equality in rural areas, and sustainable land and water management.

READ MORE: 'Held back by cost, access and uncertainty' - Young Mayo farming generation at risk

MEP Walsh said ensuring easier access to funding for farmers, small businesses and rural innovators will remain a priority as negotiations continue.

The proposals must now progress through further stages of the EU legislative process before the final programme is agreed.