NI ag minister confirms launch of Farming With Nature scheme
© Adobe Stock Northern Ireland’s flagship agri-environment scheme, “Farming with Nature”, will begin its first phase in June, subject to the required legislation being approved.
The initiative, led by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (Daera), will initially focus on actions related to tree planting, buffer strips, new hedgerows, winter stubble and cover crops.
An expanded scheme will then open for further applications in 2026.
See also: NI farmers criticise new nutrient restrictions on land
Daera minister Andrew Muir unveiled the latest update to NI’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme at the Balmoral Show on 15 May.
Mr Muir said: “My ambition for the package is to scale up nature friendly farming.
“I want to see farmers being rewarded for delivering environmental public goods, alongside food production, with the package becoming a strong and attractive enterprise on farms.
“It will be introduced in phases to support farmers to turn the tide on biodiversity loss by increasing the quantity, quality and connectivity of habitats in the farmed landscape.”
Farm businesses that apply for the first round of the scheme will remain eligible to reapply during the expanded 2026 rollout.
The first phase is set to focus on creating new habitats on farm, protecting watercourses and improving carbon sequestration.
Future schemes are due to focus on larger scale projects to deliver environmental actions in priority habitats and protected sites.
Strengthen food system
The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) said the publication of the action plan provided an opportunity to strengthen the region’s food system.
“But success will depend on putting food security and primary production at the heart of government thinking,” said UFU president William Irvine.
“We need clear ambition to boost domestic production and reduce our reliance on imports. The agri-food sector has the capacity to do much more, but we cannot allow our self-sufficiency levels, especially in fruit and vegetables, to continue falling.
“This must be addressed through practical action, including an annual food security report and renewed investment in horticulture.”
Extended NAP consultation
NI agriculture minister Andrew Muir also announced at the Balmoral Show an extension to the ongoing Nutrients Action Programme consultation, which will now remain open until 24 July.
New proposals to the programme, which include restricting slurry spreading and the use of fertiliser products, have come under scrutiny from the Ulster Farmers’ Union.
Mr Muir said: “I recognise that the proposals in the revised NAP have a level of complexity because of the detailed science and evidence underpinning them.
“Therefore, having listened to the concerns from farmers and industry about the need for more time to consider the consultation proposals, I am extending the consultation period by four weeks.”