Farming with Nature Transition Scheme - Year 2

Subject to final approvals, the second year of the Farming with Nature Transition scheme will open in June 2026. Further details on the opening of Year 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will be announced in due course. Check back regularly for updates.

The information on this page relates to Year 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme.

Information on Year 1 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme can be found at Farming with Nature Transition Scheme Year 1.

Farming with Nature is a pivotal programme to improve biodiversity on Northern Ireland farms and will expand the range of environmental actions available to farmers.

The Farming with Nature Package has been shaped through close and constructive engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural, environmental and wider rural sectors.

Minister Andrew Muir announced the next phase of the Farming with Nature (FwN) Package. link to Press Release can be found at:

Minister Muir announces the next phase of Farming with Nature

The additional actions planned for Year 2 will include:

Establishment of herbal leys

Creation of arable field margin

Ongoing management of habitats created under Year 1 of the scheme

The Year 1 actions included:

Planting New Hedgerows

Creation of a 2 m Riparian Buffer Strip

Creation of a 7 m Riparian Buffer Strip

Farmland Tree Planting – 1600 trees/ha

Multi-species Winter Cover Crop

Retention of Winter Stubble

As a pillar of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, Farming with Nature is designed to support farmers to deliver environmental benefits alongside sustainable food production.  It aims to enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience and contribute to wider societal benefits such as improved water quality, climate action and thriving rural landscapes.

Further information about the Sustainable Agriculture Programme can be found at Sustainable Agriculture Programme.