Purchasing Entitlements
CAP Update: Article & Interview for Entitlement Buyers
Important Update for Those Considering Entitlement Purchases
Irish Farmers Journal: CAP Update Summary
Key takeaways from a recent report on CAP funding and potential delays
Based on recent reporting from the Irish Farmers Journal, there are early indications that the next CAP programme may face delays. This is important for anyone considering buying or selling entitlements, as changes to timelines and funding could impact future values and planning decisions.
Possible delays to the next CAP
The next CAP programme, currently expected to begin in 2028, may not start on time. Delays are linked to ongoing negotiations around the EU’s long-term budget, known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
Funding levels still under discussion
MEPs are pushing to secure an additional €135bn in funding for CAP. There is ongoing disagreement at EU level around how much support agriculture should receive. While some proposals suggest a budget of around €300 billion, MEPs are calling for a higher budget of €435bn to account for inflation and maintain current support levels.
Changes to funding structure
Proposals around a new “single fund” and flexibility for member states to allocate funding are also being debated. Some policymakers believe too much flexibility could reduce certainty for farmers and weaken long-term planning.
A transition period may be needed
If agreements on the next CAP are delayed, a transitional period could be introduced to bridge the gap between the current scheme and the new one — similar to what happened in 2021 and 2022.
What this means for entitlement buyers
- There is still uncertainty around timelines and funding
- Future entitlement values could be affected
- Buyers should proceed carefully and stay informed
- Seeking advice before making decisions is strongly recommended
Listen: Entitlements Explained on Midwest Radio
Joseph Naughton speaking with Declan Marren on Farming Matters
In this interview, Joseph Naughton joins Declan Marren on Farming Matters on Midwest Radio to discuss the ins and outs of buying and selling entitlements. He explains the key factors farmers need to consider, including timing, pricing, and how current CAP developments could influence decisions. Drawing on real-life examples, Joseph highlights the benefits experienced by farmers who have purchased entitlements and how it has supported their overall farm income and planning. He also answers a number of listener questions during the show, offering practical, down-to-earth advice and helping to clarify some of the common uncertainties around entitlement transactions.
Farming Matters
Listen: Entitlements Questions on Galway Bay FM
Joseph Naughton speaking with Keith Fahy on Country Life
In this interview, Joseph Naughton joins Keith Fahy on Country Life on Galway Bay FM, where he answers a wide range of listener questions around buying and leasing entitlements. He explains the key differences between both options, outlining when each may be more suitable depending on a farmer’s situation. Joseph also walks through how the overall process works, from initial enquiry right through to completion, helping to simplify what can often seem like a complex area. Throughout the discussion, he shares practical examples to illustrate how entitlement transactions work in real-life scenarios, offering clear and useful guidance for farmers considering their next steps.
Country Life
Would You Like to BUY Entitlements?
We are one of the most experienced and well-known Entitlement transfer facilitators in Ireland. We offer an excellent service making long-lasting clients across Ireland. In just a few steps we can offer purchase of entitlements at a very competitive price.
Purchasing entitlements is a very favourable option for those who own their land . We offer a service to clients to purchase entitlement which are an asset. These entitlements must be activated on land that does not have entitlements activated on it already. This is imperative as the entitlements will not be accepted by the department and you will not receive the payment.
To purchase entitlements please follow the steps below.
How It Works
Purchase BISS Entitlements Process
1
Fill out your Request Form
Please fill in the below form accurately and click Submit.
2
Appoint us on the ETF system
After you have filled out the form, follow the steps provided to appoint us on the agfood website.
3
Confirmation by our Sales Staff
One of our sales staff will contact you with an appropriate offer.
4
Payment re Entitlements
Once accepted, we will send out your invoice and it must be paid before we can progress your application.
5
Submission to Department
We will submit your trade to the department and you will receive acceptance over the summer.
Purchasing Entitlements Request Form
Your Transferor Information
Frequently Asked Questions About BISS Entitlements
Joseph Naughton Auctioneers are trusted approved agents for the sale, purchasing and leasing in or out of entitlements in Ireland.
Should I buy or lease entitlements in 2026 or a mixture of both?
People lease entitlements yearly for land rented yearly. Another cohort of people who we see who are getting entitlements are farmers whose land has become eligible(where it had not before now, once 50% of a land parcel is eligible the entire 100 % of the land parcel is deemed eligible to activate entitlements).
For example, large tracks of the burren in Clare has become eligible to activate entitlements on. Land owners have leased in and purchased entitlements from us so far in 2026 for the land that has become eligible.
There are large areas of scrubland nationwide that has become eligible and farmers should ask their agricultural consultant has land of theirs become eligible to activate entitlemnts in 2026.
We also see stud farm owners buying entitlemnts for the first time. It appears that equine farmers are now eligible for the tams (grant aid for stud rail fencing, solar panels etc). But they must submit a 2026 BISS Application to be eligible.
We also have sold entitlements to stud farm owners in 2026 who see them as a great investment.
With the lease of entitlements, you will almost double your initial investment within the year (based on the application being processed by Oct).
With the purchase of entitlements, you will double your initial investment over the 5 year 2023-2027 cap, if the cap rolls-over then you will gain extra profit (depending on the value of the entitlements purchased).
Entitlements will be sold or leased at a multiple or percentage of the new biss 2026 net unit value.
It has been confirmed by dafm that the 2027 value of entitlements will the same as the 2026 rate.
For what reasons can the BISS Entitlements be purchased or leased?
BISS Entitlements can be purchased or leased for the following reasons:
1. If you have more eligible land than Entitlements
2. If you have eligible land rented, leased or purchased
3. BISS Entitlements can be leased or purchased and activated on eligible lands that you intend to plant trees on.
4. To increase your BISS by upgrading your present Entitlements.
5. To generate an asset for the future.
What are the advantages of leasing Entitlements?
1: The cost of leasing Entitlements is a tax deductible expense.
2: A farmer leasing in Entitlements will only have to come up with a percentage of the yearly payment which is considerably less cost than in previous years.
3: If for some reason a farmer has less eligible hectares in future years , he does not have to lease in Entitlements again.
4: With the lease of Entitlements, you will almost double your initial investment within the year (based on the application being processed by October).
Why would a farmer lease out Entitlements?
A farmer may not be able to activate all of his entitlements in 2026 and has the option of leasing out any number of entitlements.
Reasons why a farmer may not be able to activate all his entitlements would be:
1: If he sold land and didn’t sell the entitlements with it
2: If he lost rented land
3: If the area of eligible land was reduced after an inspection
4: If they sold sites
5: If buildings or roadways were erected on their land
Is there a clawback on the sale of entitlements in 2026?
There is now Clawback in 2026
What is the application process for transfer of Entittlements?
All applications must be submitted on-line.
It will not be possible to transfer Entitlements by way of lease or sale without being regisered on agfood.ie.
It will not be possible for a farmer to purchase or lease in Entitlements without being registered on agfood.ie.
All applications must be submitted on-line by the transfer or and accepted on-line by the transferee before the 15th May 2026. This is only the application and the transfer has to be processed by the dept of agriculture before the funds can be released to the herd owners.