DAERA is reminding farm businesses that there are two weeks
until the application window for the Sustainable Farming
Investment Scheme closes.
Applications to the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme must be
submitted by 11:59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme opened on Tuesday 21
July, offering farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm
investment in equipment and technology.
There are now only two weeks left to submit applications
before the application window for Round 1 closes on 3 September
2026.
Anyone thinking of applying to the scheme, or who has started an
application and not submitted it yet should do so as soon as
possible.
The scheme is a significant element within DAERA's Sustainable
Agriculture Programme and expands the range of support available
to underpin a sustainable, productive and environmentally
resilient farming sector.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will provide up to £40
million with support focused on a pre-selected list of items to
help farm businesses to boost their efficiency and environmental
performance. The scheme aims to support investment across all
farming sectors.
Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 are eligible for
support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.
The eligible item list is accessible as part of a simple online
application system. Grants 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 is open for six weeks, and applications
must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
More information on the scheme, including the eligible item list,
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.
