DAERA Minister has issued a final reminder to
participants in the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme that
the claim window closes at 5pm on 31 March 2026.
The scheme, which is part of the Sustainable Agriculture
Programme, supports farmers to take meaningful action for nature,
including habitat creation, green infrastructure, watercourse
protection and carbon sequestration.
With the 31 March deadline looming, Minister Muir said: “I would
urge all eligible participants not to delay in submitting their
claim. Payments can only be made for work completed and claimed
by 31 March, and any claims received after the deadline will not
be accepted.”
Participants who have been unable to fully complete actions due
to adverse weather or other circumstances should only claim for
work completed by 31 March 2026. It is not necessary to submit a
zero claim if no works have been completed.
Further opportunities to apply to the scheme will be available
when it reopens later in 2026.
Claims must be submitted online via: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services.
All supporting documentation, including invoices (for example,
seed purchases), must be retained. Invoices dated before
acceptance into Year one of the scheme will render the action
ineligible for payment.
Guidance on scheme conditions and claims is available
at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/farming-nature-transition-scheme.
For support, contact: FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk
or call 0300 200 7848 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday).
Notes to editors:
- If a farm business uses a nominated person or agent on their
behalf, they should contact them now to discuss their claim.
- Further information on DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture
Programme is available at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/sustainable-agriculture-programme
