Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP)
As part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP), the Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) replaced the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP) for 2026. FSP opened for applications from 2 March 2026 until 9 June 2026, with late penalties applied for applications received between 16 May - 9 June 2026.
FSP Payments commenced as planned on 1 September 2026. 97% of payments were successfully issued on the first day, with further validation checks continuing for the remaining cases. Although there was an issue that affected some payment letters and DAERA Message notifications, these began issuing from 8 September 2026. 97% of notifications have issued via DAERA Messaging. Any business that has not received its notification has either: remaining validations to be completed on their claim, or are due to receive a paper letter as they are not registered with Government Gateway or NIDA; or do not have a valid email address. Customers are also reminded to ensure their bank details are up to date to help avoid any delay in receiving payment.
The Programme is being introduced in a phased manner over the coming months and years and will provide options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland.
The video below provides easy to follow steps on how to complete your FSP application. Please see link to the guidance on how to watch embedded videos on our website. Supported browsers and platforms
General Information Sheet outlining the new arrangements for 2026 for the Farm Sustainability Payment:
Further information can be found here:
The Minister announced the roll out of the new Farm Sustainability Payment. See link to Press Release:
Further details and latest information on the Sustainable Agriculture Programme can be found here Sustainable Agriculture Programme.