Farming with Nature Higher Scheme
The Farming with Nature Higher (FwNH) Scheme is an invite only Scheme, DAERA will write to all eligible farmer businesses to invite them to apply for the scheme.
The Farming with Nature Higher (FwNH) Scheme has been introduced as an interim scheme aimed at those farmers who have previously participated in the Environmental Farming Scheme (Higher). This interim scheme is intended to maintain favourable management of high value farmland within designated sites and priority habitats.
To be eligible for Farming with Nature Higher (FwNH) Scheme in June 2026 applicants must:
- Hold an expired Tranche 4 Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) Higher Agreement that ended on 31 December 2025.
- Have a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business ID.
- Manage at least 3ha of eligible agricultural land and have management control of the land for the duration of the agreement.
- Be prepared to include all such land within the application where management control is maintained.
Important Time-Limited Opportunity
If a Tranche 4 EFS Higher Agreement holder, does not join this scheme during the application window 30 June 2026 to 31 July 2026, they will lose the opportunity to participate in the FwN Higher Scheme in the future.
DAERA will write to all eligible farmer businesses to invite them to apply for the scheme. The Farming with Nature Higher Scheme is open for applications from 30 June 2026 until 31 July 2026.
More information to follow.