Summary of Area-based Schemes for 2022

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs offers several payments to farm businesses based on the land that they farm, or actions they take on their land. These payments are called ‘Area-based Schemes’ (ABS). ABS represent the largest payments made to farm businesses in Northern Ireland each year and play a key role in contributing to the Northern Ireland rural economy.

ABS payments are made annually and must be applied for on the Single Application Form, which can be accessed here: daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services

You can apply for the following schemes via the Single Application:

Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
Regional Reserve
Young Farmers’ Payment
Protein Crops Scheme
You can also apply to transfer BPS Entitlements

You can also claim payment for the following schemes via the Single Application:

Environmental Farming Scheme
Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia)
Small Woodland Grant Scheme

The following schemes are closed for new applicants. However, customers with existing 30 or 40 year agreements can claim for payment on these schemes via their Single Application in 2022:

Farm Woodland Premium Scheme
Farm Woodland Scheme

Area-based Schemes - Scheme Details
Area-based schemes 2022 guidance and forms
Basic Payment Scheme 2022: financial ceiling
Cross-Compliance
New procedures for Review of Decisions to come into force

You can apply for the following schemes via the Single Application:

You can also claim payment for the following schemes via the Single Application:

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