Northern Ireland opens next phase of Farming with Nature scheme

Farmers in Northern Ireland will be able to apply for the next round of the Farming with Nature Transition scheme from next month, subject to final approvals.

NI agriculture minister Andrew Muir announced the next phase at the Balmoral Show on Thursday (14 May), saying the scheme would continue supporting farmers to deliver environmental improvements alongside food production.

The scheme forms part of the  Farming with Nature Package, which replaces the old Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) and forms part of Daera’s wider Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

See also: New ‘farming with nature’ scheme opens in Northern Ireland

It is designed to improve biodiversity, water quality and habitat connectivity across Northern Ireland’s farmland.

Mr Muir said: “Farming with Nature is a key priority within my department’s sustainable agriculture programme, reflecting our shared ambition to support an environmentally sustainable, resilient and thriving farming sector.”

Actions and payments

The first year of the scheme included five actions: new hedgerow planting, riparian buffer strips, farmland tree planting, retention of winter stubble, and multispecies winter cover crops.

Further measures planned for 2026 include herbal leys, arable field margins, and ongoing management of habitats created under year one agreements.

Daera says the measures are intended to improve the extent, condition and connectivity of habitats on farmed land, while delivering wider benefits for nature and water quality.

Under the 2025-26 scheme, farm businesses could apply for up to £9,500 to support environmental actions and associated capital works.

Current payment rates include £6.49/m for new hedgerows, £1.41/m for 2m riparian buffer strips, £93/ha for winter stubble retention and £6,756/ha for farmland tree planting.

The minister also confirmed plans for additional schemes focused on landscape-scale environmental projects and priority habitats, including support for farms leaving higher-level EFS agreements.

Industry reaction

Environmental and farming organisations welcomed the announcement.

Peter McEvoy, chairman of Northern Ireland Environment Link’s sustainable agriculture policy working group, said the package recognised “the importance of agri-environment support in rewarding farmers for protecting the ecosystems on which we all depend”.

James Lowe, chairman of the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association, added: “We continue to support further development of the package as it seeks to address environmental pressures whilst supporting profitable farming systems.”

Further details on applications for year two of the scheme are expected in due course.