Farmers are urged to apply for Farming with nature Transition Scheme before deadline

Time running out to secure funding for biodiversity-friendly farm projects under DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme

Farmers across Northern Ireland are being reminded that applications for the 2025 Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will close at 5pm on Monday, 4 August 2025.

Part of the wider Farming with Nature Package within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ (DAERA) Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), the Transition Scheme provides financial support for on-farm environmental actions that promote biodiversity and sustainability.

Eligible farmers can apply for between £2,500 and £9,500 to deliver key biodiversity-enhancing actions, including:

• Planting new hedges and farmland trees

• Creating riparian buffers

• Establishing multi-species winter cover crops

• Retaining winter stubble

Support is also available for associated items such as fencing to help deliver these environmental improvements.

To qualify, applicants must hold a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number and must not have a live Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) agreement at the time of application.

Applications must be submitted online via DAERA Online Services. DAERA has stressed that farmers must not commence any work or purchase items until they have received formal acceptance into the Scheme

Full scheme details, including guidance sheets, technical videos, and payment rates, can be found on the DAERA website.

A DAERA spokesperson said:

“The Farming with Nature Transition Scheme offers a practical way for farmers to contribute to on-farm biodiversity while accessing financial support for delivering targeted environmental actions.”

The Scheme is governed by the Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025, which came into effect on 19 June 2025, and is part-funded by DAERA Capital funds. It forms a key element of the Executive’s £329.4 million agriculture budget for 2025/26.

The Farming with Nature initiative is also part of DAERA’s digital-first service delivery model. All communications — including application confirmations and payment details — will be delivered digitally through DAERA messaging. Farmers and agents are strongly advised to check email inboxes (including junk folders) and log into their DAERA online accounts regularly.

Applicants may nominate a trusted person or agent to apply on their behalf. Nomination forms and guidance are available at: DAERA Nominated Person Guidance.

The Sustainable Agriculture Programme, formerly known as the Farm Support and Development Programme, is designed in close consultation with stakeholders across the agri-food and environmental sectors. It aims to transition the farming industry towards more sustainable practices that protect the climate and natural environment, while supporting rural livelihoods.