TRAINERS and breeders are set to benefit from the Department of Agriculture’s €100 million Fuel Subsidy Support Scheme for green diesel announced this week, and equine industry representatives are petitioning the Department of Transport to extend the white diesel rebate scheme to the equine sector.

The two support schemes were launched last weekend in the wake of nationwide protests by farmers and hauliers over the rising cost of fuel. Diesel has almost doubled in price since February due to ongoing geopolitical instability in the Middle East.

Under the Department of Agriculture scheme, farmers and contractors using green diesel will be eligible for a rebate of approximately 20c per litre from March to July. Payments will be made through a single application process, with funding allocated based on fuel usage last year. Further details are expected to be published next week.

A spokesperson for Minister Martin Heydon confirmed to The Irish Field that the green diesel scheme will include racing yards and stud farms, where the diesel is used for agricultural purposes. It’s likely that trainers and breeders hoping to claim a rebate will have to provide a registered equine premises number.

It’s also understood that a number of racing and breeding organisations have made applications to the Department of Transport that the equine sector be considered for inclusion in Minster Darragh O’Brien’s white diesel rebate scheme for road hauliers.