Farmers can now change their SCEP yearly reference number for 2026

The amendment window for the SCEP yearly reference number 2026 is now open.

Today, it was announced that participants in the Suckler Carbon Efficiency Programme (SCEP) now have access to amend their 2026 yearly reference number.

The window to amend the 2026 yearly reference numbers is open from today, January 22, until February 12, 2026. SCEP provides support to beef farmers to improve the environmental sustainability of the national beef herd.

Participants in SCEP set their programme reference number at the application stage in the period March to June 2023, and this remains in place for the duration of the programme. As allowed for in the CAP Strategic Plan, participants can amend their yearly reference number each year of the programme during the amendment window.

Making the announcement, minister of agriculture, Martin Heydon, said: “I am pleased to advise that the facility is now open for SCEP participants to amend their 2026 yearly reference number on their Agfood account. This flexibility supports farmers who wish to alter their commitments under the programme requirements to meet their individual needs or changing circumstances.” 

Farmers can reduce their 2026 yearly reference number by up to 20% of their 2025 yearly reference number.

Alternatively, farmers can increase their 2026 yearly reference number by any number back up to their programme reference number set at the application stage, where the farmer or their FAS Advisor had amended their yearly reference number in 2023, 2024 or 2025.

Any changes made to the 2026 yearly reference number, either increases or decreases, will have an associated impact on the requirements or actions to be carried out by the farmer and on the maximum payment that the participant will be eligible to draw down later in 2026.

Once an application to amend the 2026 yearly reference number is submitted online, no amendments can be made.

To avail of the maximum payment in 2026, farmers must have at least enough determined eligible forage hectares under their 2026 BISS application to match their 2026 maximum payable area (MPA) and ensure that they are fully compliant with all the eligibility requirements and actions under the programme.

If a farmer knows or suspects that the minimum of 50% of cows to calve by June 30 won't be met, a requirement of the 2025 yearly reference number, they should take this opportunity to reduce their 2026 yearly reference number.

Failure to do so could result in being removed from SCEP and a clawback of any monies already received under the programme. Farmers who do not wish to amend their 2026 yearly reference number will have the previous year's reference number automatically roll over if no amendment is submitted.