New ‘farming with nature’ scheme opens in Northern Ireland

Farmers in Northern Ireland can access the new Farming with Nature Transition (FwNT) scheme, with cash now available for undertaking environmental works on farms.

The transition scheme, which forms part of the new Sustainable Agriculture Programme, covers five key actions:

• planting new hedgerows
• creating riparian buffer strips
• farmland tree planting
• retention of winter stubble
• growing winter cover crops 

See also: ‘Transition’ farm support for Northern Ireland to start in 2025

Up to £9,500 is available per farm business in 2025/26, to cover the actions and the capital items needed to implement them.

For example, planting new hedgerows will attract a payment of £6.49/m, while creating a 2m riparian buffer strip will earn £1.41/m.

Retaining winter stubble is worth £93.00/ha, while farmland tree planting would net £6,756/ha.

Money is also available for fencing, gate posts, drinkers and pumps.

Eligiblity

To be eligible, farm businesses must have a Daera Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number, and not currently have a live Environmental Farming Scheme agreement.

Applications may be made from Monday 23 June until 4 August on the Daera’s website website.

If the scheme is oversubscribed, environmental criteria  will be used to prioritise applications.

Rural affairs minister Andrew Muir said: “Protecting and restoring our natural environment is one of my key priorities.

“Farming with Nature is a flagship package that will support the scaling up of nature-friendly farming, delivering environmental public goods, alongside food production.”

Ulster Farmers Union deputy president John McLenaghan described the launch of the FwNT scheme is a “step in the right direction”.

“We’re pleased to see the scheme being rolled out for all farmers to consider,” he said.

Habitats

“With that said, it’s vital that Daera recognises the value of habitats already being protected by farmers.

“Creating new habitats is important, but so is supporting the ongoing work that many have been doing for years. These two elements must be encouraged and treated equally.”

Mr McLenaghan applauded the fact the new scheme is relatively simple.

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