Farmers urged to act as £20,000 Farming with Nature scheme opens for applications

Farmers across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to examine new environmental funding opportunities after applications opened for the 2026 Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, with grants of up to £20,000 available for eligible projects.

The scheme, which opened on Monday, offers financial support for a range of environmental measures designed to improve biodiversity, water quality and habitat protection while allowing farms to remain productive businesses.

However, the Ulster Farmers’ Union has warned that the success of the programme will ultimately depend on whether it delivers practical, accessible and worthwhile support for farmers working on the ground.

The application window closes at 5pm on Friday, July 31, and DAERA has indicated that the deadline will not be extended.

Wider range of options available for farmers

The 2026 scheme includes a number of measures that could suit a wide range of farm businesses across County Antrim and Northern Ireland.

Available options include:

• Hedgerow planting

• Riparian buffer strips

• Farmland tree planting

• Herbal leys

• Arable margins

• Multi-species winter cover crops

• Retention of winter stubbles

The measures are designed to support environmental improvements while also delivering benefits for farm productivity, soil health and long-term sustainability.

UFU Environment Chair Ian Buchanan said farmers already play a central role in managing and protecting Northern Ireland’s countryside.

“Many of the options within Farming with Nature can deliver both farm and environmental benefits when they are properly designed, fairly funded and workable within active farming systems,” he said.

Changes aimed at making scheme more accessible

The UFU has welcomed several changes introduced for the 2026 scheme, which it says should make participation easier for more businesses.

Among the most significant changes is the removal of the previous minimum spend requirement, a move that could make the scheme more attractive to smaller farms or those wishing to introduce environmental measures on a more limited scale.

Meanwhile, the maximum spend available under the scheme has increased to £20,000, while a number of new options have also been introduced.

Mr Buchanan said:

“Although the timing for some measures is not ideal, there are some positive changes to the 2026 scheme, including the removal of the previous minimum spend requirement, an increase in the maximum spend to £20,000 and the addition of new options.

“These changes should help make the scheme more accessible to a wider range of farm businesses.”

Farmers urged to study conditions carefully

The UFU is encouraging farmers to carefully examine the updated scheme information before submitting applications, warning that a number of specifications have changed since last year.

Farmers are being advised to review payment rates, management requirements and supporting information before committing to any option.

Mr Buchanan said some of the measures involve longer-term commitments and obligations that farmers should fully understand before applying.

“Farmers should take time to look closely at the updated specifications, payment rates, management requirements and watch information videos before committing,” he said.

“These schemes can involve longer-term obligations, so it is important that farmers are clear on what is expected and whether the options genuinely suit their business.”

Confidence in delivery will be critical

The UFU said farmer confidence will ultimately determine whether the scheme succeeds.

According to the organisation, this means DAERA must provide clear guidance, issue letters of offer promptly and ensure inspection and compliance arrangements are proportionate and easily understood.

Mr Buchanan said:

“The success of Farming with Nature will depend on farmer confidence.

“That means DAERA must provide clear guidance, issue letters of offer promptly, and ensure inspections and compliance requirements are fair, proportionate and clearly understood from the outset.”

Environmental schemes must work alongside food production

The Union stressed that environmental schemes should support productive agriculture rather than replace it.

Mr Buchanan said farmers were willing to play their part in delivering environmental improvements but warned that future schemes must reflect the realities of commercial farming.

“Farmers are willing to play their part in delivering environmental outcomes, but schemes must be built around real farming systems, realistic costs and practical delivery,” he said.

“Farming with Nature has potential, but it must work on the ground for the farm businesses being asked to deliver it.”

The UFU is encouraging members considering an application to seek advice where necessary and to carefully assess which options are best suited to their individual farm business before the July deadline.

With environmental measures becoming an increasingly important part of agricultural policy and farm support, schemes such as Farming with Nature are likely to play a growing role in how farms diversify income streams while contributing to wider environmental goals.