Cultivate farm loans: up to €100,000 unsecured from your local credit union

What Cultivate offers

Cultivate's 2025 review gave these rates as correct on 1 April 2026, and participating credit unions were showing the same rates on 3 October 2026. Both are variable, so the cost of your repayments can rise. Ask your credit union for its current rate.

Cultivate's own example: a 5-year loan of €30,000 at 6.55% variable (6.75% APR) means 60 monthly repayments of €587.69. The total cost of credit is €5,261.24. You can work out farm loan repayments at 6.55% for your own amount.

A credit union can set its own limit inside the brand. West-Midlands Credit Union, for example, lends up to €80,000 unsecured.

The secured loan needs a first legal charge. Cultivate says it suits large spending such as new sheds, buying land and funding inheritance tax. Ask your credit union whether it offers the secured loan.

Tullamore and West-Midlands credit unions both say loan protection insurance is included at no charge, subject to terms.

What farmers use it for

Cultivate describes it as short to medium term finance for:

• new or second-hand machinery
• buildings and facilities
• extra livestock
• working capital and cashflow

Its 2025 review gives a picture of who borrows. The average loan applied for was €40,924, over about 80 months. Stocking and working capital was the most common purpose (25%), then farm buildings (22%) and equipment (21%). Beef farmers made up 70% of applications and dairy farmers 20%. Most applicants, 82%, had income from off the farm as well.

Who can apply

• You farm. Cultivate says its members are a mix of dairy, beef and sheep farmers.
• You are a member of a participating credit union, or you can join one. That means fitting its common bond, usually by living or working in its area.
• You do not need to be a long-standing member. Cultivate says a new member can apply for credit immediately.
• A farm company or partnership can apply at some credit unions. St. Canice's Credit Union says the business must open its own account, be located in the common bond area, and have most of its directors or partners living there.

Every loan is subject to approval by the credit union.

On 3 October 2026 the Cultivate site showed no participating credit union in Dublin or Waterford. If none covers your area, you cannot get a Cultivate loan. Your own credit union may still offer business and farm loans under the credit union's own name.

Which credit unions offer it

This is the list on the Cultivate site on 3 October 2026. Check the Cultivate site for changes.

What you have to send

Each credit union sets its own list. St. Canice's Credit Union says most Cultivate applications need, at a minimum:

• its Agri Lending Fact Find form
• the most recent 2 years' certified or audited accounts
• confirmation from your accountant that your tax affairs are up to date
• your notice of assessment
• a business plan and projections, for loans over €25,000 or for a new enterprise
• personal and farm bank statements
• a statement of your direct payments

It says it will talk to you about what it needs and can work with you and your accountant.

If you are asked for the plan, our pack writes a business plan and 12-month cashflow for a farm loan application.

How to apply, step by step

1. Check that a participating credit union covers where you live or farm.
2. Fill in the enquiry form on cultivate-cu.ie, ring 1800 839 999, or contact the credit union directly. St. Canice's says you can apply in a branch or by phone, and that it can come out to the farm.
3. A staff member from your local credit union rings you back.
4. Join the credit union if you are not a member, and send the documents it asks for.
5. The credit union makes the decision itself. Cultivate does not publish how long that takes.

Things to know before you sign

Both rates are variable. Cultivate's own warning is that the cost of your repayments may increase.

Unsecured does not mean free of consequences. If you miss repayments, the account goes into arrears, and that may affect your credit report.

The secured loan puts a legal charge on land or property.

A credit union's decision cannot be brought to the State's Credit Review service, which covers only AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB.

Farmers who are turned down elsewhere can also look at the Agri Loan of €2,000 to €50,000 from Microfinance Ireland.

We take no commission or payment from any lender. This page is information only, not financial advice.

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