Time is running out to apply for the 2025 Northern Ireland Farming with Nature Transition Scheme

There is less than a fortnight to apply to the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme which closes at 5pm on 4 August 2025.

The Scheme forms part of the Farming with Nature Package within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme and aims to support biodiversity on farms by funding a range of environmental actions.

To be eligible, applicants must have a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number and cannot have a live Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) agreement, of any type, at the point of application.

Eligible applicants can apply for between £2,500 and £9,500 to undertake a range of environmental actions which aim to support biodiversity on farmland: planting new hedges and farmland trees, creating riparian buffers, establishing multi-species winter cover crop and retaining winter stubble. Items to support the implementation of these environmental actions, for example fences, are also available.

Applications can be made via an online application, which can be accessed through DAERA Online Services(external link opens in a new window / tab).

Applicants should not commence work, or purchase any associated items, until they have received a letter of acceptance into the Scheme.

Full details of the Scheme, including technical videos, guidance sheets and payment rates, are available on the DAERA website.

Notes to editors:

1. DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) (formerly the Farm Support and Development Programme) is being designed through close engagement with external and internal stakeholders.  A forum for key stakeholders from the agriculture industry and environmental sector was formed in June 2024 to provide input into the development of the Farming with Nature Package.
2. The overall aim of the Programme is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment while supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector.
3. The main source of funding for the SAP is the NI Executive Earmarked Agriculture Budget (£329.4million for 2025/26).
4. The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 provide the legislative cover for the Scheme and came into effect on 19 June 2025.
5. The main source of funding for the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will be from DAERA Capital funds.
6. Applicants to the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will receive confirmation from DAERA that their application is complete via DAERA messaging.
7. Farmers can nominate an agent or trusted person to complete the application on their behalf.  Forms to nominate an authorised person can be downloaded from the DAERA website. For nominated persons that have Single Application permissions, Farming with Nature permissions will also be given.
8. The Farming with Nature Transition Scheme is part of DAERA's commitment to digital first service delivery. This is a digital only Scheme.  Customers are advised that anyone in the farm business who has a DAERA online account and nominated agents can log in to view details of payment.
9. All communications related to this scheme after application will be issued electronically.  As DAERA continues to expand its digital communication approach across Agricultural and Environmental Schemes Division, farmers are reminded to regularly check their e-mail inbox (including junk folders) for important updates and notifications.
10. Notifications regarding applications and payments will issue by DAERA messaging only.  To receive notifications by e-mail and view payment details online, farm businesses, must register for a DAERA online account via Northern Ireland Identity Assurance (NIDA) or Government Gateway for a DAERA online account, even if they work with an agent.