Farmers urged to review new Farm Sustainability Standards as changes take effect

Farmers across Northern Ireland are being urged to familiarise themselves with newly introduced Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS), which came into force today, 1 January 2026, and will underpin eligibility for a wide range of agricultural support schemes.

The new standards form a central pillar of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) and are designed to ensure continued access to the Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) and other key schemes supporting the agri-food sector.

Developed following extensive engagement with industry representatives, the standards aim to balance environmental responsibility with the economic and social realities faced by farm businesses.

What are the Farm Sustainability Standards?

The Farm Sustainability Standards establish a set of baseline requirements that farmers must meet to remain eligible for support. They apply across a number of schemes, including:

• Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme

• Protein Crop Scheme

• Farming with Nature Package

• Environmental Farming Scheme

• Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme

• Suckler Cow Scheme

• Relevant Forestry Schemes

The standards are supported by a series of underpinning requirements, alongside guidance materials available online, including a dedicated document and a short overview video explaining the seven core standards.

Farmers are being encouraged to review these materials now to ensure they are fully prepared for the changes and understand how the standards apply to their own holdings.

Supporting a sustainable future for farming

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has emphasised that the overarching objective of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme is to help transition the sector towards greater sustainability, while safeguarding its long-term viability.

The programme seeks to implement policies that deliver environmental and climate benefits, while continuing to support an agri-food sector that remains economically and socially significant to rural communities.

DAERA has worked closely with stakeholders through the Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group in the design of the programme, reflecting a collaborative approach aimed at ensuring the standards are practical as well as ambitious.

Where to find more information

Farmers are advised to access the full details of the Farm Sustainability Standards, including the underpinning requirements and guidance materials, via the DAERA website:

DAERA Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS)

With the standards now in effect, early engagement and understanding will be key to maintaining eligibility for payments and ensuring a smooth transition under the new framework.