DAERA Minister , has announced that the
Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open for applications
on 21 July 2026.
Minister Muir said: I am delighted to announce that the
Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open on Tuesday 21
July, offering farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm
investment in equipment and technology.
The scheme is a significant element within my Department's
Sustainable Agriculture Programme and expands the range of
support available to underpin a thriving, resilient and
environmentally sustainable farming sector.
Support will focus on a pre-selected list of items to help farm
businesses improve their environmental performance, animal
health, and business efficiency. The scheme aims to support
investment across all farming sectors.
The Minister highlighted the range of investments to be
supported: Eligible equipment will include options for the
management of fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock,
and for resource and slurry management. This includes a variety
of precision and performance monitoring equipment, such as camera
guided weed control, and heat and health detection devices.
Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 will be eligible for
support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.
The eligible item list will be accessible as part of a simple
online application system, which will be available when the
scheme formally opens. Grant will be offered based on a reference
price for each item, which means that applicants do not have to
provide quotes as part of their application.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be rolled out in a
number of rounds over the next three to four years. This first
round of the scheme will be open for 6 weeks, and applications
must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
More information on the scheme is available on the DAERA website
at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sustainable-farming-investment-scheme.
Notes to editors:
- DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme has been developed
in consultation with a range of food, agriculture, environmental
and veterinary stakeholders across the SAP from its commencement.
- The overall aim is to transition to a more sustainable
farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies
that benefit Northern Ireland's climate and environment, while
supporting its economically and socially significant agriculture
sector.
- Further information on Sustainable Agriculture Programme can
be found at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/sustainable-agriculture-programme.
- Primary food producers, across livestock, arable and
horticulture sectors with a Category 1 Farm Business ID will be
eligible for the scheme. Potential applicants should ensure that
they have a Government Gateway or NI Direct Account and that
their contact details registered with the Department are up to
date.
- Further information on the Sustainable Farming Investment
Scheme can be found at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sustainable-farming-investment-scheme.
