Sustainable Agriculture Programme Q&A

Background

1. Why is farm support changing?

• Farming today is facing real pressures - from tighter budgets, fluctuating prices, rising input costs, rapid development in technology to threats posed by climate change and environmental challenges.
• That is why farm support is changing -to make sure that financial support and environmental responsibility work hand in hand, supporting farm businesses to stay productive and profitable, while looking after the land for the next generation.

2. How are changes to farm support being implemented?

• Changes to farm support are being implemented through DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP).
• SAP is transitioning to a more sustainable farming sector by implementing policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment, while supporting our economically and socially significant agriculture sector. 
• The SAP is providing options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland to secure and improve their viability and environmental sustainability.

3. What is SAP aiming to achieve?

• SAP’s four long term outcomes include improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, stronger resilience and an effective functioning supply chain. 
• The Schemes being introduced as part of the SAP are essential levers in contributing to Northern Ireland’s statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and achieving a genuinely Just Transition. Their implementation and delivery will be key to meeting the targets set out in the draft Climate Action Plan 2023-2027.
• Delivery of the SAP will contribute to addressing phosphorus and ammonia related issues and incentivising and enabling actions to ensure environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland by contributing to water and air quality, soil health and biodiversity.
• SAP is also delivering on securing enhanced productivity within Northern Ireland agriculture and assisting the development of effective functioning supply chains ensuring food security and high standards of disease control, public and animal health.

 

4. Will participation in SAP be mandatory for farm businesses, can farm businesses opt out?

• All schemes are voluntary. However, if farmers wish to avail of any support funding, they will be required to meet the eligibility conditions of the relevant schemes.

5. How has SAP been developed?

• SAP is being developed in consultation with the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and other key food and environmental stakeholders to target farm support to provide appropriate tailored support and meet the bespoke needs of Northern Ireland more effectively.
• This process engages stakeholders to assist DAERA in understanding the immediate and future needs of the industry in the development of policy. The approach provides a forum for dialogue between DAERA and stakeholders at each key stage of the development process. 
• This approach is the key tool being employed by DAERA to ensure that SAP meets industry needs, ensuring buy-in, scale of uptake and scheme success.

6. What stakeholder groups are included in the development of the SAP?

• The Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group (APSG) brings together representatives across food, farming and the environment to ensure that stakeholder views are understood and properly considered during the development of SAP. 
• The Carbon Farming Partnership Group ensures that stakeholder views are understood and properly considered during the development and delivery of the Carbon Footprinting Project.
• The Farming with Nature Working Group ensures that stakeholder views are understood and properly considered in designing and developing a Farming with Nature Package that will deliver environmental improvement.
• The Farming for the Generations Co-Design Group is developing the details of the future scheme considering the findings of the evaluation of the pilot Farming for the Generations scheme and the Young Farmers’ Payment Scheme.
• The Sheep Sector Support Working Group has been established to understand the immediate and future needs of the sector and what can be realistically achieved by DAERA against these needs.
• DAERA continues to engage with a broader range of interested parties through its normal communication and co-design processes. 

7. What is the timeframe for the introduction of SAP?

• Since 2024, the Programme has been introduced in a phased manner. Follow link for further detail on the rollout of schemes - Sustainable Agriculture Programme Overview Timeline | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

8. Is the timeline for delivery of SAP subject to change?

• Yes, the published timeline is subject to business case and legislative cover being in place and will be updated as necessary at the above link. Please ensure you check back regularly for updates. 

9. What is the budget for SAP?

• SAP provides support in excess of £330 million per year funded from both Capital Departmental Expenditure Limit (CDEL) and Resource DEL funding (RDEL).  
• For 2025-26 the NI Executive formally agreed to treat the £329.4 million Resource DEL that has been baselined in the NI block grant as ‘Executive Earmarked’ for 2025-26 and future years as part of its Final Budget announced on 3 April. This is the main source of funding for SAP.

10. How will the budget be allocated across SAP?

• In 2025 the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) was replaced by the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP) with minimal changes, retaining the minimum claim size at 3 ha. 
• The majority of the Executive Earmarked funding was allocated to the FSTP in 2025. 
• FSTP was replaced with the Farm Sustainability Payment from 2026. Funding allocated to the Farm Sustainability Payment will reduce over time to enable funding to be diverted to other schemes within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
• Other schemes will be phased and timed to match the capacity to absorb and spend monies released.

11. Will there be additional funding to support the move towards climate neutrality?

• Yes, we need to ensure that the work that we carry out to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach net zero will be fair and that we support people on that journey.
• As set out in the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022, the Department is required to establish a scheme for the administration of a fund to be known as the “Just Transition Fund for Agriculture”.
• Its purpose is to provide information, knowledge and financial assistance to the agriculture sector to help deliver its contribution to meeting carbon budgets and emissions reduction targets by developing and implementing proposals and policies to be included in Climate Action Plans.
• The Executive agreed a £12.3 million Capital DEL Earmarked allocation for a Just Transition Fund for Agriculture as part of its Budget for 2025/26. This is supporting Farming for Carbon projects, the Bovine Genetics Project and the Sustainable Utilisation of Slurry Scheme.
• Policy development is being undertaken to support the delivery of the requirements in the Climate Change Act for a Just Transition Fund for Agriculture. This will be aided by the work to establish a Just Transition Commission.

12. What funding is used to administer SAP?

• The administration costs for SAP will come almost entirely from DAERA’s existing operating budget from the Northern Ireland Executive.
• DAERA aims to use new technology and the information it currently holds as much as it reasonably can to minimise administrative time and cost.

13. Will DAERA have legal power to introduce SAP?

• Primary powers to implement future schemes in Northern Ireland are in UK assimilated law or provided by existing legislation. The operation of some of the new SAP schemes require affirmative and negative statutory rules to be taken forward through the Northern Ireland Assembly. The new legislation introduced to date has included:
  • The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2023
    • The Farming for the Generations Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
    • The Farming for the Generations Scheme (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2024
    • The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Suckler Cow Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farming for Sustainability Knowledge Transfer Payments Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farming with Nature Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Horticulture Pilot Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme (Eligibility etc) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farm Sustainability Standards Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farm Sustainability Standards (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Farming for Sustainability Innovation Payments Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Agricultural Schemes (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025
    • The Bovine Genetics Genotyping Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2026

14. Can land managers, that do not have a farm business account registered with DAERA, apply for support under SAP?

• In order for a land manager to avail of support, they must be registered with DAERA and have a unique business identification number (business ID) and comply with scheme requirements.

15. Given the impact of externalities, for example severe weather and market disturbances, what contingencies within SAP will be in place for the unexpected?

• In striving to achieve stronger resilience SAP will encourage farm businesses to better manage risk within their own businesses, becoming more resilient and better prepared to cope with the unexpected.
• The Farm Sustainability Payment provides a balance between providing a safety net which will help a farm business withstand ‘shocks’ that are beyond its ability to manage effectively and encouraging farms to be efficient, competitive and to manage risk proactively. 
• A Crisis Framework is also being developed within the SAP that will enable DAERA to assess the potential industry impacts of extreme events such as weather or market failure. It will determine the most appropriate timing and form of intervention necessary for a specific crisis. 

Communication of Changes

16. How are these changes being communicated to farm businesses?

• Normal methods of communicating will be used such as the DAERA website, DAERA Direct offices, DAERA hosted Awareness Events, Farming press, social media and via representative organisations.
• DAERA will communicate as early as possible with farm businesses so they can consider any steps they may need to take in advance of new schemes commencing.

17. How do I find out more about SAP?

• Visit: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/sustainable-agriculture-programme  

Inheritance Tax

18. Following the Government’s new ruling on inheritance tax, does DAERA plan to bring in any new measures to help farm businesses plan for succession?

• The SAP contains a Farming for the Generations Scheme which has been rolled out as a pilot. The pilot scheme aimed to raise awareness of the need for succession planning on farms. 
• The scheme aimed to support farm families through a three phased approach: planning for succession, developing the successor, and supporting the lead generation within the farm family. It also linked farmers without a family successor to new entrants to provide access to land and other resources.
• The future full Farming of the Generations Scheme is being developed with support from industry stakeholders.  

 

SAP Information and Knowledge Schemes

SAP’s information and knowledge schemes will be essential in supporting changes to on-farm management practices needed to address the changes required now and in the future.

Farming for Sustainability - Knowledge Transfer 

19. What is included within the Farming for Sustainability – Knowledge Transfer?

• A range of training, knowledge transfer and innovation schemes are being provided by CAFRE. These include:
• Supporting Agri-professionals;
• Knowledge Transfer – Information;
• Knowledge Transfer – Training; 
• Peer Learning Groups – Business Sustainability Groups / Themed Groups;
• A network of Innovation Farms; and 
• Innovation Visits to see innovations outside of Northern Ireland.
• Focused training is linked to the other SAP Schemes such as the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme, the Beef Sustainability Package, the Bovine Genetics Project and the Carbon Footprinting Project.

20.  What support is available to professionals supporting farm businesses?

• Farm businesses receive advice and guidance from many different people, for example, processors, vets, nutritionists. These individuals are vital to the success of our industry and play an important role in providing knowledge and impacting change on farms. 
• DAERA requires all sectors of industry to join together to drive the changes needed to achieve the future vision for the agricultural and food sectors. 
• A programme has been delivered by CAFRE to provide continuous professional development (CPD) for professionals interacting with farmers and links to the various elements of the SAP.
• The CAFRE ‘Supporting Agri-Professionals’ Programme launched in January 2025 and focuses on professional development, technical expertise, and practical support aimed at equipping advisers, consultants, and other industry professionals to support farm businesses.

21.  Will DAERA be providing training for female farmers?

• We want to encourage the participation of women and other underrepresented groups in training programmes. We are engaging with female Business Sustainability Group members to explore options to support women only BSGs or meetings, where there is sufficient demand.

22.  Will farmers be required to have a Level 3 qualification in agriculture?

• As set out in DAERA’s Knowledge Framework an ambition is that anyone taking over as head of a commercial farm or horticulture business should hold  at least a Level 3 relevant qualification. Decisions have not yet been taken as to how this will operate in practice.
• Further information on DAERA’s Knowledge Framework is available to view at: DAERA Knowledge Framework Document | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 

23. When did the Business Sustainability Groups (BSG) open for applications?

• The Business Sustainability Group application period opened on 24 March 2025 and closed at 4.00pm on 19 May 2025. There will be additional opportunities to join Business Sustainability Groups with the next tranche expected to open for applications in March 2026.

24. How long will Business Sustainability Groups (BSG) last?

• BSGs will last at least four years.

25. What are Themed Groups and how will these operate?

• Themed Groups are Peer Learning Groups that will focus on particular topics for example water quality or Suckler Cow fertility. The duration of the group will be tailored to the needs of the group and the topic. 

26. If I join a BSG or Themed Group can I leave at any time?

• Yes, but you should discuss this with your Group facilitator / CAFRE Adviser first. 

27. If I join a BSG, what will I be required to do?

• For BSGs to be successful, members are asked to share their knowledge and experience within the group and be willing to host a farm visit. To aid group discussion members are asked to complete financial benchmarking to at least gross margin each year as this provides details of their farm’s physical and financial performance. Members are asked to attend a minimum of 3 meetings per year. 

 

28.  
29. What support will be in place to facilitate data collection for benchmarking?

• The new BSG scheme will provide a learner support payment of £445 to encourage participants to complete financial benchmarking and attend a minimum of three meetings per year. 

30. Will there be support assistants to collect benchmarking data?

• No, the new BSG scheme will have a learner support payment of £445 to encourage participants to complete benchmarking and attend a minimum of three meetings per year. However, farmers can employ a data collector privately to submit benchmarking data to CAFRE on their behalf. 

31. As a BSG member will I have to share all the benchmarking data collected if I host a group meeting?

• You will be expected to collect benchmarking data so a group average can be established. At a meeting hosted by you the level of detail provided by you will be agreed with the CAFRE Adviser in advance.

32. Will the data collected be shared with other DAERA organisations or externally?

• All benchmarking data is treated as commercial in confidence. Only CAFRE Advisers and the CAFRE Business Technologists (who ensure quality of data), will have access to individuals’ data. It will not be shared / disclosed to any other DAERA organisation or externally. This has been the case for the past 20+ years of CAFRE benchmarking. Some overall benchmarking trends are used to highlight the potential for increasing efficiency as part of annual reports that are shared with all benchmarking businesses.

33. Will I have to benchmark to be a part of a Themed Group?

• No, financial benchmarking will not be required to be a part of a Themed Group, but you will be asked to provide farm data relevant to the theme of the group.

34. If farmers are being encouraged to put their own financial benchmark on the CAFRE Benchmarking system will training be provided?

• Advice and training on the benchmarking process will be available from the CAFRE Business Technologists.

35. Is there a hosting payment available for those in BSGs and Themed Groups?

• Yes, a hosting payment of £786 is available to group members who host meetings. To receive this payment, you must ensure that biosecurity measures and public liability insurance are in place. You along with your CAFRE Adviser will complete a health and safety risk assessment for the meeting which will be shared with all attendees. You must also be willing to present your own data. The payment is made to the farm business registered.

36. In the previous BDG scheme there was funding towards analytical testing – will this be available to those within BSG or Themed Groups?

• Yes, funding towards analytical testing will be available under the new scheme. The information from the analytical testing will be available to help farmers make decisions on their own farms.

37. What topics will Themed Groups focus on? 

• Examples of topics for Themed Groups include Suckler Cow fertility and water quality. However, the range of topics to be covered under Themed Groups is yet to be fully decided.  Further updates will be available on the CAFRE website in due course.

38. How does CAFRE intend to incentivise young farmers to join a BSG/Themed Group?

• BSGs and Themed Groups open for applications in tranches and all farmers are encouraged to join. There are a wide range of benefits to being part of BSGs and Themed Groups, e.g. access to a CAFRE Adviser, analytical testing, etc. Details of when BSGs and Themed groups are open for applications will be posted on the CAFRE website.

39. Will Themed Groups be open to a group of farmers or individual farm businesses?

• Farmers will apply to Themed Groups as individuals and groups will be established dependant on the number of applicants and their locations.

 

Farming for Sustainability - Innovation

40. Which elements of the Farming for Sustainability - Innovation Scheme are currently open?

• The Innovation Visits element will be open for applications for specific visits on a regular basis throughout the year – check the CAFRE website for availability.
• Applications to become an Innovation Farm host are currently open for the Dairy and Beef sectors. Recruitment for Innovation Farms for other sectors will open later in 2026.

41. Which elements are coming next?

• The intention is to open the Innovation Partnerships element for applications later in 2026.

42. How do I find out about Innovation Visits?

• Visit the CAFRE website for more information - Innovation Visits - CAFRE

43. How do I apply for an Innovation Visit?

• Applications are made online from the CAFRE website.  Check regularly for new visits becoming available.

44. How much does it cost to go on an Innovation Visit?

• The main costs of the IV are met through DAERA.  The cost of all travel outside Northern Ireland is covered, as is accommodation and meals. The scheme will also cover the cost of technical experts and translators in the country being visited.
• Participants are expected to cover the cost of any farm relief while they are away, their travel within Northern Ireland, and also their travel insurance.

45. How do I find out more about Innovation Farms?

• Visit the CAFRE website for more information - Innovation Farms | Farm Business Support - CAFRE

46. How do I apply to become an Innovation Farm host?

•  Visit the CAFRE website for more information - Innovation Farms | Farm Business Support - CAFRE 

47. When will it be possible to visit an Innovation Farm?

• It is anticipated that visits to Innovation Farms will commence in autumn 2026.

48. How do I apply to visit an Innovation Farm?

• Details of how to apply to visit an Innovation Farm will be available on the CAFRE website when farms have been selected, this is likely to commence in autumn 2026.

49. How much funding is available to an Innovation Partnership?

• Each group can claim up to £150,000 of resource spending and if it is strictly necessary for the project, up to £40,000 of capital. 

50. How do I apply to Innovation Partnerships?

• When Innovation Partnerships open for applications later in 2026 details of the application process will be shown on the CAFRE website.

 

Farming for Carbon

51. What is Farming for Carbon?

• Farming for Carbon focuses on actions to reduce carbon emissions on farms and offset carbon emissions through carbon sequestration, which is the process of capturing, securing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere in trees, hedges and soils. 

52.  How will reductions in carbon emissions be encouraged?

• Reductions in carbon emissions will be encouraged through: 

1. Reduction in older livestock numbers through the Beef Sustainability Package. Options to reduce the age at first calving and replacement rates within the dairy sector through knowledge and applied research. 
2. Breeding of more environmentally efficient cattle through the Bovine Genetics Project. 
3. The use of treated urea fertilisers, the optimal timing of fertiliser and slurry applications and the establishment of grassland swards with Legumes and Herbs to reduce fertiliser nitrogen use will be promoted through applied research and knowledge transfer initiatives. 
4. Biomethane production from agricultural waste.
5. The use of methane supressing feed products to reduce rumen methane emissions, nitrogen, and phosphorus outputs by collaborative industry research through the AFBI led, Dairy Carbon Network project. 
6. Exploration of novel slurry additives to reduce emissions.
7. How will food production be balanced with carbon reduction?

• The SAP is seeking to balance food production with carbon reduction through achieving its four outcomes of improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, stronger resilience and an effective functioning supply chain.

 

Dairy Demonstrator Project (renamed as Dairy Carbon Network)

54. What is the Dairy Carbon Network?

• The Dairy Carbon Network is a Defra funded project which is being delivered by a UK wide consortium, led by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI).
• The project will assess the collective impact of a wide range of emission reduction mitigations including animal breeding, feeding, fertiliser, forage and slurry management on 56 commercial dairy farms across the UK, with 20 of the dairy farms located in Northern Ireland.
• It will inform policy decisions around best routes to achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using the UK Carbon Budget Delivery Plan (CBDP) measures, investigating which combinations of actions will be most effective in situ across different commercial dairy and dairy-beef management systems.

 

Data Platforms

The Sustainable Agriculture Programme’s data platforms will provide information to help you drive productivity, resilience and animal health and welfare, contribute to environmental goals and identify opportunities to reduce carbon emissions.

Soil Nutrient Health Scheme

55. What is the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS)?

• The Soil Nutrient Health Scheme has been developed by DAERA to assist farmers in planning their farm nutrient management more effectively and will help facilitate improvements to our water environment and future platform for carbon measures. This is one of the key actions in the Lough Neagh Action Plan.
• It provides a baseline for pH, major nutrients and an estimation of carbon stored in above ground biomass and in soils.
• Farm businesses will be required to participate in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and complete the training as a conditionality for the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme. 
• LIDAR is also providing very important information in terms of the carbon stored above ground on each farm business.

56. How do I join the Scheme?

• The scheme closed for registrations on 8 September 2025.

57. If I have not previously registered for the SNHS, will I still have the opportunity to do so in order to meet the conditionality for the Farm Sustainability Payment?

• The registration portal for SNHS closed on 8 September 2025. Any non-registered farms that now wish to register for the scheme should contact the DAERA SNHS admin via email to express their interest to SNHS@daera-ni.gov.uk.   
• DAERA is currently exploring options to facilitate soil testing as part of the scheme and will respond to expressions of interest in due course.

58. I have not participated in the SNHS but have already had soil samples taken on my land. Can I use these to meet the conditionality for the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme?

• No. Only participation in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme will meet the conditionality for the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme

 

59. How will the SNHS benefit me?

 

• CAFRE is currently providing training on how to interpret soil analysis results and help farm businesses to prepare a nutrient management plan.
• The information provided by the Scheme will allow you to target the application of crop nutrients to your soil, reduce nutrient waste and help increase farm profitability.
• The SNHS will provide accurate information on the nutrient levels, including pH, Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S) and Loss on Ignition (LOI, which is organic matter), and estimates of carbon stored for each field on your farm.
• The LiDAR survey will be used to assist in estimating the carbon stored in your farm hedgerows and trees and to provide farmers with a nutrient run off risk map. This information will help you to make better use of manures, reduce the risk of nutrients entering waterways and help you to manage carbon on your farm.

60. Will participation in the SNHS help me to comply with the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) Regulations?

• Yes, the soil analysis provided under the SNHS can be used to prepare a fertilisation plan, which is required under the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) Regulations if applying chemical phosphate fertiliser to grassland, or high phosphorus manure or anaerobic digestate to any land.

61. Who will be carrying out the soil analysis and when will I get my results?

• Analysis of soil samples will be carried out by NRM / Cawoods - the soil analysis contractor working under the direction of AFBI and you should receive your soil sample results normally within four to six weeks after your samples have been collected.

62. Will all my fields be soil sampled?

• Yes, where practically possible, all the fields 0.1 ha or above on your farm will be sampled free-of charge. This will provide you with a reliable baseline of soil nutrients and carbon estimates for all fields you farm.

63. I have already sampled some of my fields, will you test these again?

• Yes, we will sample all fields you farm.

64. What time of year will my soil samples be collected?

• Soil samples will primarily be collected during the period running from November through to February. Where fields are identified as requiring early sampling (e.g. winter crops) or not yet having received nutrient input or receiving no nutrient input, sampling may take place outside of this period. Farm businesses should complete a short survey from the soil collection contractor RPS/Tetratech when received via email or SMS message. This survey helps plan the best time to sample their fields. The survey is normally issued in October.

65. What bio-security measures will be in place to protect my farm during soil sample collection?

• Sampling contractors and AFBI staff will be required to adhere to a Bio-Security Protocol during soil sample collection on your farm, including Cleansing & Disinfection of personnel and equipment.

66. How will my soil analysis data be used?

• The soil analysis results collected may be used for further AFBI research. It may also be used for administration of new support schemes.

67. Will my individual farm data, collected through the SNHS, be used for enforcement or regulation purposes against me?

• No. Your individual farm data collected through the SNHS will not be used by DAERA for enforcement of regulations.  Data will be protected under the SNHS Privacy notice and GDPR regulations.

68. Will I receive training?

• Yes. CAFRE is providing Nutrient Management Awareness and Nutrient Management Planning training. This also includes training on the role of carbon on farms. Training will primarily be delivered on-line with mentoring support and group training provided for those participants who require additional help accessing the on-line learning, understanding and creating a Nutrient Management Plan.

69. What does the training involve?

• Training is designed to increase your level of understanding and knowledge of the principles of nutrient management, the role of carbon in soil and the interpretation of Phosphorus (P) run-off maps. The training provides the skills you require to prepare a Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) which you may need for entry to future DAERA schemes.

70. Is there a contact if I have further questions?

• If you have any further questions not covered in the Q&A, please contact the AFBI SNHS Admin team on 02890 255212 or email SNHS@afbini.gov.uk 

 

Bovine Genetics Project

 

71. What is the Bovine Genetics Project?

• The Bovine Genetics Project is one of the key components of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. 
• Genetic improvement can deliver long-term and permanent improvements in cattle productivity. Targeted genetic improvements through informed breeding decisions can deliver significant change to desirable traits, for example, reduced Greenhouse Gas emissions, lower pollution potential and improved animal health and welfare, including the ability to identify those breeding animals most resistant to Bovine Tuberculosis. 
• Most cattle breeding decisions are currently made in the absence of data and information on the genetic potential of animals. 
• The Bovine Genetics Project will provide farmers with the data and evidence to make more informed breeding decisions which in turn will deliver more efficient, healthier and productive animals with lower carbon footprints. 

72. What are the aims of the Bovine Genetics Project?

• The Project will deliver more environmentally and economically sustainable bovine animals and will deliver on several key Ministerial priorities including tackling climate change together, protecting our natural environment, supporting a sustainable, resilient and productive agri-food sector and safeguarding animal health and welfare.
• This important Project is also of significant interest to industry as it will provide cattle producers with the data and evidence necessary to select and breed more environmentally and economically sustainable animals.

73. How is the Bovine Genetics Project being delivered?

• The Project is being delivered by DAERA, in partnership with the agri-food industry, through a not-for-profit company, Sustainable Ruminant Genetics Ltd (SRG). SRG is providing industry leadership and is working with DAERA to deliver several key functions, including the supply of industry data and the promotion and marketing of the Project to producers and other stakeholders.
• SRG was established by the Ulster Farmers’ Union, the Livestock and Meat Commission, the Northern Ireland Meat Exporters Association and the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland and was officially launched in June 2023.

 

74. When did the Bovine Genetics Project commence?

• The Project commenced with the appointment of a Service Provider, the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF), in January 2025. 
• The first phase of the Project is the design and development of a data platform, to collect and analyse data from various sources, e.g. government bovine databases, meat and milk processors, and livestock markets. 
• The project is currently developing to agreed timelines with the first reports delivered to the pilot genotyping farms and CAFRE farms in autumn 2025 and to those farms participating in knowledge transfer and innovation schemes in spring 2026. Reports will be available for all farm businesses in September 2026.

75. What information will farm businesses be required to provide to the Bovine Genetics Project?

• Every effort will be made to limit the amount of data required directly from farm businesses. 
• Data available from NIFAIS and existing dairy and beef processor databases will provide most of the data required. 
• Examples of data farm businesses could be required to provide include calving ease score, cow temperament, mothering ability, reason for culling etc. 
• Farm businesses will also be required to provide tissue samples from their animals to enable genetic profiling which will increase the rate of genetic gain.

76. How will farm businesses provide information to the Bovine Genetics Project?

• It will be essential that the provision of information by farm businesses is quick, user-friendly and avoids duplication for farmers who already use data recording services in their business. 
• Farm businesses will have the choice to use the dedicated web-based and mobile phone app data uploading services, which will be developed for the Project, or to continue using their existing data recording services, which will be upgraded to integrate with the Bovine Genetics Project. 
• The approach to supplying tissue samples has yet to be determined.

77. How will farm businesses be assisted to participate in the Bovine Genetics Project?

• CAFRE is delivering a suite of Knowledge and Innovation Programmes to ensure farmers have the required knowledge and understanding of data required to effectively use the available benchmarking and genetic evaluation services to make more informed future breeding decisions.

78. Is participation in the Bovine Genetics Project a condition of the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme?

• Yes, farm businesses with cattle will be required to register with the Bovine Genetics Project, and complete training provided by the Project, as a conditionality of the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme.
• Registration and training will be available from 1 September 2026 and businesses will have until 15 May 2028 to comply with this requirement.

 

Carbon Footprinting Project

79. What is Carbon Footprinting?

• Carbon Footprinting is an important action that farm businesses can undertake to measure the Greenhouse Gas emissions from their farm and identify where improvements can be made at farm level.

80. Will farm carbon footprints for Northern Ireland be provided through SAP?

• Yes, DAERA is progressing the development of an industry-led farm Carbon Footprinting Project for Northern Ireland which will provide all farm businesses with a whole farm baseline carbon footprint.

81. What will the Carbon Footprinting Project aim to achieve?

• The Project will be an important management tool to help farm businesses drive better environmental performance and sustainable practices. It will be supported by knowledge transfer to help farm businesses reduce emissions.

82. Will participation in the Carbon Footprinting Project be a requirement for future support payments?

• Yes, it is planned that participation in the Carbon Footprinting Project will become a conditionality for receipt of the FSP. The date of introduction of this conditionality is still to be agreed.

 

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Payment Schemes

Payment Schemes will provide you with the support necessary to transition to more sustainable farming practices.

Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) Scheme

83. What is the Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) Scheme?

• The FSP Scheme will provide a balance between providing a safety net which will help a farm business withstand ‘shocks’ that are beyond its ability to manage effectively and encouraging farm businesses to become more environmentally sustainable, efficient and resilient.

84. When will the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme be introduced?

• From 1 January 2026 the FSP Scheme replaced the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP) Scheme. 

85. What changes have been introduced for the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme in 2026?

• The FSP Scheme introduced the following elements in 2026:

1. The implementation of the Historic Years Exercise (HYE). The FSP Scheme is directed to those farm businesses that are actively engaged in agricultural activity. Therefore, in order to be eligible for the FSP Scheme, your farm business must meet the requirements of the Historic Years Exercise (HYE) i.e. in scheme years 2020 or 2021 had:

• Kept cattle or sheep or reared goats registered on APHIS; or
• Reared deer for meat and sold that meat commercially; or
• Kept poultry registered with the Department as a commercial flock, or pigs registered on APHIS, combined with selling grass (not including the sale of agistment grazing rights); or
• Farmed at least three hectares of a determined area with an arable or horticultural crop and declared in an application to the Department for either of those years; or
• Been a contract rearer with a contract in place which demonstrated that they managed the livestock and associated grassland, bore the risks in relation to the agricultural activity being carried out and obtained benefits from it.
• Grazing horses will not fulfil the eligibility requirements.

2. New land eligibility rules also came into effect from 1 January 2026.
3. New Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) came into effect from 1 January 2026. These replaced the system of Cross-Compliance which has existed in Northern Ireland since 2005. A revised Penalty Matrix has been introduced in tandem with FSS from January 2026. The objective is to make the new penalty system effective but fair, with a much greater emphasis on securing compliance rather than the application of penalties.
4. DAERA has also introduced progressive capping, and the requirement for the farm business to comply with conditionalities such as participation in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) and the Bovine Genetics Project. 
5. Why will approximately 1,900 farm businesses not qualify for the FSP Scheme in 2026?

• Under World Trade Organisation rules relating to non or minimally trade distorting payments, it is permissible to set production requirements in a historic reference period to ensure that payments are directed towards farm businesses that are actively engaged in agricultural activity.
• Given that the purpose of the FSP Scheme is to enable otherwise viable farm businesses to withstand market and other shocks, the inclusion of businesses that do not undertake agricultural production or produce only grass silage cannot be justified.
• Similarly, those farm businesses that leased out all of their Basic Payment Scheme entitlements during the historic years period of 2020 and 2021 will not be eligible to claim the FSP. 
• From 1 January 2026, applicants to the FSP Scheme must, for the year 2020 or 2021, meet the requirements as specified in The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025.

87. What is the definition of active farmer?

• The person enjoying the decision-making power, the benefits and the financial risks in relation to agricultural activity being carried out on the land.

88. What is the definition of agricultural activity?

• Agricultural activity is defined as:
• The production, rearing or growing of agricultural products, including harvesting, milking, breeding animals, and keeping animals for farming purposes;
• Maintaining an agricultural area in a state which makes it suitable for grazing or cultivation without preparatory action going beyond usual agricultural methods and machineries.

89. What is the minimum claim size for FSP?

• Applicants must activate at least 3 payment entitlements on a minimum of 3 hectares of eligible land.

90. How many hectares of land must agricultural activity take place on?

• Applicants for the FSP scheme must carry out agricultural activity on at least 3 hectares of land used to activate entitlements. However, where an applicant submits a claim of less than 5 hectares, they must carry out agricultural activity on at least 2 hectares of land used to activate entitlements.

91. What is the difference between growing a crop of grass for hay and growing an arable crop?

• Growing an arable crop requires more focus / risk taking. 

92. Could a farmer have kept a few livestock or have grown 3 hectares of eligible cereals but grown/sold grass on the rest of its land meet the Historic Years requirements?

• From 1 January 2026, applicants for the FSP Scheme in operation before 1 January 2022 must have in 2020 or 2021 met the Historic Years requirements as specified in The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025. The level of activity set out above is likely to satisfy these requirements.

93. Would rye be counted as a cereal if it is cut and goes to an AD plant?

• From 1 January 2026, applicants to the FSP Scheme must for the year 2020 or 2021 meet the requirements as specified in The Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025. The growing of rye alone is unlikely to meet these requirements. 

94. When will the conditionalities for the FSP Scheme, such as participating in Soil Nutrient Health Scheme apply?

• Participation in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) and the Bovine Genetics Project became conditionalities for receipt of the FSP with effect from 1 January 2026.
• It is further planned that participation in the Carbon Footprinting Project will become a conditionality for receipt of the FSP. The date of introduction of this conditionality is still to be agreed.

95. Is the SNHS conditionality associated with the business ID or field number?

• All payments are made to farm business IDs. To be compliant with the SNHS conditionality a business must have registered for the scheme and completed training offered to them by the closing date of the single application form window of 15 May 2027.

96. What is minimum Stocking Rate to claim the FSP?

• There is none. 

97. If I hold entitlements to claim the FSTP can I use these to claim the FSP in 2026?

• In order to be eligible for the FSP Scheme you will need to have met the historic years criteria and submit an eligible claim in 2026. If you meet these requirements, the entitlements you hold will enable you to claim the FSP in 2026. 

98. How will I know if I do not meet the historic reference requirements in 2020 or 2021?

• DAERA corresponded directly with those farm businesses likely to be impacted by the HYE in June 2025, setting out the options open to them. However, the onus is on you to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements when claiming the FSP and seek advice if necessary.

99. What will happen to a farm business which was leasing out all its entitlements in 2020 and 2021?

• Businesses that leased out all their entitlements during 2020 and 2021 and did not meet the historic years criteria will not be eligible to claim the FSP. DAERA wrote to those farm businesses impacted in June 2025 to explain the options open to them.

100. Will there be an appeals process available for those deemed not to have met the historic years criteria? 

• DAERA wrote to those farm businesses potentially impacted by this policy change to set out the options open to them to enable them to plan effectively. Appeals are only possible if a business believes that DAERA has incorrectly deemed that it does not meet the criteria and not against the policy itself.

101. Will those businesses excluded from claiming the FSP in 2026 because they did not meet the historic years criteria be able to claim the FSP in subsequent years?

• Ineligible farm businesses will only be unable to apply for the FSP in 2026.  If a farm business meets the eligibility criteria for the FSP and buys/leases in entitlements in 2027, that business can apply for the FSP in 2027.

102. Will implementing historic years not incentivise breaking high nature value ground?

• No.

103. If a farm business met the eligibility criteria in 2020 and 2021 and claimed some of the entitlements itself but leased surplus entitlements to another farm business, would they lose the leased entitlements? 

• Businesses which meet the FSP Scheme eligibility requirements including the historic years criteria and submit a valid claim for the FSP in 2026 will retain all of their entitlements.

104. If a farm business met the eligibility criteria in 2020 and 2021 but subsequently ceased farming and leased their entitlements out to another farm business, will they retain their entitlements and be permitted to continue to lease their FSP entitlements?

• Applicants for the FSP Scheme in 2026 will need to submit an eligible FSP application and activate three entitlements on three hectares of eligible land to meet the requirements of the FSP Scheme. Entitlements held by businesses not meeting these requirements will expire.

105. Will farm businesses formed after 2021 that currently hold payment entitlements be eligible to claim the FSP?

• Farm businesses formed after 2021 who currently hold payment entitlements are not subject to the historic years requirements and will therefore be able to claim the FSP if they meet all of the FSP Scheme eligibility requirements.

106. If a farm business was established post 2021, and currently does not hold entitlements will they be able to buy or lease entitlements to claim the FSP from 2026?

• Farm businesses formed after 2021 can buy or lease payment entitlements in order to claim FSP. It is important to remember that they will need to satisfy all the FSP Scheme eligibility requirements in order to be eligible for payment. 

107. If I am not eligible to claim FSP or if I decide to opt out, will I be able to claim any other funding under the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP)?

• You may be able to claim under other schemes within the SAP if you meet the individual scheme’s eligibility requirements and these do not require an eligible FSP Scheme claim.

108. Are existing plantations planted under forestry grant aid, eligible for payment, and are older non grant aided plantations eligible?

• Land planted under a forestry or agri-environment scheme administered by the Department on or after 1 January 2009 remain eligible to claim support under the FSP Scheme subject to the applicant meeting the other FSP scheme conditions. Older, non-granted aided discrete areas of woodland which are less than 5ha are also eligible.

109. Will farm businesses who in the reference years 2020 and 2021 did not have any livestock or an arable crop (or carried out any qualifying horticultural activity) but owned BPS entitlements and claimed BPS on an energy crop in the form of short rotation coppice Willow during those years be able to retain their entitlements?

• Yes, Schedule 1 of the Farm Sustainability (Transitional Provisions) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 defines “short rotation coppice. Alder, Birch, Hazel, Ash, Lime, Sweet Chestnut, Sycamore, Willow and Poplar (permanent crop) Maximum harvest cycle is 5 years” as one of the eligible crop types to satisfy the FSP Scheme historic reference years requirements. It will also continue to be an eligible agricultural activity for the FSP Scheme purposes.

Historic Years Exercise and Entitlement trading

 

110. What will happen to a business that currently leases in entitlements from a business that did not meet the historic years criteria?

• Farm businesses that meet the FSP Scheme eligibility requirements and have leased in entitlements from a business not meeting the FSP Scheme eligibility requirements will retain the leased in entitlements for the FSP Scheme purposes until the lease period ends at which stage the entitlements will expire.

111. Why are entitlement leases in 2026 being restricted to 1 year?

• Entitlement leases agreed during the 2026 entitlement trading periods are limited to one year. This is to prevent businesses not eligible to claim the FSP leasing out their entitlements prior to expiry for extended periods of time therefore indirectly continuing to benefit from the payment.

112. What action should businesses not eligible to claim in 2026 because they did not meet the historic years criteria take?

• Farm businesses not eligible to claim the FSP in 2026 will have up to the 15 May 2026 to sell their entitlements or they will expire on 16 May 2026.

113. What will happen to entitlements owned by an ineligible farm business that have been leased to an eligible farm business on a long-term lease basis? 

• Entitlements leased by an ineligible farm business to an eligible farm business before 2025 for a period ending after the 2026 scheme year, will expire at the end of the lease if the ineligible farm business decides not to act in 2026 to terminate the lease and transfer them permanently.

 

114. Can ineligible farm businesses sell their entitlements to any farm business before they expire?

• Ineligible farm businesses can only transfer their entitlements to an eligible farm business registered with the Department before 18 November 2025.  This restriction will also apply to agents transferring entitlements on their behalf.

FSP and Progressive Capping of Payments

115. Will FSP be capped? 

• Yes, progressive capping of FSP will apply above £60,000. 

116. Why is Progressive Capping being introduced?

• The policy intent of the FSP Scheme is to provide agricultural support to act as a balance between providing a safety net which will help a farm business withstand ‘shocks’ that are beyond its ability to manage effectively and encouraging farm businesses to become more environmentally sustainable, efficient and resilient.
• High support payments can encourage unwarranted risk taking and reduce the incentive to manage risk within the farm business. Therefore, Progressive Capping aims to strike a balance between providing a safety net which helps a farm business withstand those shocks that are beyond the ability of that business to manage risk effectively, and dampening the incentive to be efficient, competitive and to manage risk proactively.

117. Is capping only for 2026 and 2027? Will the capping rates in 2027 apply to subsequent years? If a client is impacted by progressive capping can they lease or sell some of their entitlements?

• Progressive capping of the FSP will apply above £60,000 and will be phased in over 2026 and 2027 and then remain in place for subsequent years at the 2027 level. Progressive capping will not impact the number or unit value of entitlements held by a farm business and normal trading arrangements will apply. 

 

118. How will progressive capping be introduced?

• Progressive capping of the FSP will be phased in over a two-year period from the introduction of the FSP Scheme. Table 1 below sets out how progressive capping of payments will operate.

Table 1. Example of how Progressive capping of payments will operate

Payment Band	Capping reduction in first year of FSP (%)	Capping reduction in second year onwards of FSP (%)
£190,000.01 +	100	100
£150,000.01-£190,000	40	80
£100,000.01-£150,000	30	60
£80,000.01-£100,000	20	40
£60,000.01-£80,000	10	20
£0-£60,000	0	0

Progressive Capping of FSP Payments.

This will begin in 2026 and be phased in over a two-year period.

Examples

Farm Business A - Payment Due before capping percentages are applied is £190,000. 

In Year 1 – the following percentage capping reductions are applied, Table 2.

Table 2. Progressive Capping applied (Year 1)

Payment Band	Capping reduction in first year of FSP (%)	Business A Payment falling into band	Payment following capping percentages applied
£190,000.01 +	100	£0	£0
£150,000.01-£190,000	40	£40,000	£24,000
£100,000.01-£150,000	30	£50,000	£35,000
£80,000.01-£100,000	20	£20,000	£16,000
£60,000.01-£80,000	10	£20,000	£18,000
£0-£60,000	0	£60,000	£60,000
Final Payment			£153,000

The final payment to business A in Year 1 following % reductions = £153,000

Year 2 - Payment Due to Business A before capping percentages are applied is £190,000.

 

In Year 2 – the following percentage capping reductions are applied, Table 3.

Table 3. Progressive Capping applied (Year 2)

Payment Band	Capping reduction in second year onwards of FSP (%)	Business A Payment falling into band	Payment following capping percentages applied
£190,000.01 +	100	£0	£0
£150,000.01-£190,000	80	£40,000	£8,000
£100,000.01-£150,000	60	£50,000	£20,000
£80,000.01-£100,000	40	£20,000	£12,000
£60,000.01-£80,000	20	£20,000	£16,000
£0-£60,000	0	£60,000	£60,000
Final Payment			£116,000

The final payment to Business A in Year 2 following % reductions = £116,000

Farm Business B - Payment Due before capping percentages are applied is £120,000.

In Year 1 – the following percentage capping reductions are applied, Table 4.

Table 4. Progressive Capping applied Year 1

Payment Band	Capping reduction in first year of FSP (%)	Business A Payment falling into band	Payment following capping percentages applied
£190,000.01 +	100	£0	£0
£150,000.01-£190,000	40	£0	£0
£100,000.01-£150,000	30	£20,000	£14,000
£80,000.01-£100,000	20	£20,000	£16,000
£60,000.01-£80,000	10	£20,000	£18,000
£0-£60,000	0	£60,000	£60,000
Final Payment			£108,000

The final payment to Business B in Year 1 following % reductions = £108,000

Year 2 - Payment Due to Business B before capping percentages are applied is £120,000. 

 

In Year 2 – the following percentage capping reductions are applied, Table 5.

Table 5. Progressive Capping applied (Year 2)

Payment Band	Capping reduction in second year of FSP (%)	Business A Payment falling into band	Payment following capping percentages applied
£190,000.01 +	100	£0	£0
£150,000.01-£190,000	80	£0	£0
£100,000.01-£150,000	60	£20,000	£8,000
£80,000.01-£100,000	40	£20,000	£12,000
£60,000.01-£80,000	20	£20,000	£16,000
£0-£60,000	0	£60,000	£60,000
Final Payment			£96,000

The final payment to Business B in Year 2 following % reductions = £96,000

FSP Conditionalities

119. Why are businesses required to meet certain conditionalities in order to receive their full FSP Scheme payment?

• Businesses will be required to meet conditionalities to receive their full FSP Scheme payment in order to drive uptake of schemes critical for soil health, carbon management, and genetic improvement.

120. What are the implications of not meeting the FSP Scheme conditionalities?

• For participation in SNHS, farm businesses that are not compliant by 15 May 2027 will have a 10% reduction applied to their FSP in 2027. The reduction will be increased to 15% for continued non-compliance in 2028 and will continue to be applied at 15% until the conditionality has been met. 
• For the Bovine Genetics Project, farm businesses that are not compliant by 15 May 2028 will have a 10% reduction applied to their FSP in 2028. The reduction will be increased to 15% for continued non-compliance in 2029 and will continue to be applied at 15% until the conditionality has been met.

121. Who can complete the conditionality training?

• Registration and training must be completed by a named individual registered to the farm business ID.

 

122. Do businesses that have not yet registered for the SNHS still have an opportunity to do so?

• The registration portal for SNHS closed on 8 September 2025. Any non-registered farms that now wish to register for the scheme should contact the DAERA SNHS admin via email to express their interest to SNHS@DAERA-NI.GOV.UK. DAERA is currently exploring options to facilitate soil testing as part of the scheme and will respond to expressions of interest in due course.

123. How is SNHS training being provided and how long does the course last?

• Training for SNHS comprises of completing two training courses either face to face or online. The total time to complete both courses is 2 hours 30 minutes.

124. What benefits will participation in the Bovine Genetics Project deliver?

• The Bovine Genetics Project will provide farmers with the data and evidence to make more informed breeding decisions which in turn will deliver more efficient, healthier and productive animals with lower carbon footprints.

125. How will Bovine Genetics Project training be provided and how long does the course last?

• As with SNHS, training for the Bovine Genetics Project comprises completing two training courses either face to face or online. The total time to complete both courses is 2 hours 30 minutes.

126. When will Carbon Footprinting become a conditionality for receipt of FSP?

• The proposed timelinefor the introduction of the Carbon Footprinting Project as a conditionality is yet to be determined.

FSP Scheme Land Eligibility Changes

127. Why are the land eligibility rules for the FSP Scheme different to the rules in place for FSTP?

• The overarching objective in establishing the land eligibility rules for the FSP Scheme is to implement practical land eligibility rules to complement the scheme’s objectives that can be easily understood and robustly and efficiently enforced.

128. Because there is now more eligible land available will additional entitlements be available to allow farm businesses to activate entitlements on it?

• No, there will be no new entitlements.
• The land eligibility changes are not being introduced for economic benefit rather they are being included to simplify the application process for applicants and to promote environmental benefit.

129. What are the advantages of the land eligibility changes compared to those in place for FSTP?

• The land eligibility changes will make the FSP Scheme application process simpler in that applicants will no longer need to calculate and deduct areas of ineligible soft features from their application form.
• They will also encourage the maintenance of areas for environmental benefit by removing the incentive for applicants to bring areas of soft features into agricultural production (e.g. unnecessary heather burning).

 

Farm Sustainability Standards

130. What are the Farm Sustainability Standards?

• Seven new Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) have replaced the previous 20 Cross-Compliance requirements.
• Four of the Farm Sustainability Standards focus on protection of the environment and three of the Standards focus on the protection of animal health and welfare, biosecurity and traceability.

The standards are:

CODE	Sustainability Standard	High Level Requirements
FSS1	Protection of Waters from Pollution	Includes:  Protection of waters from pollution caused by nitrates and phosphates – nutrients: Protection of waters from pollution caused by Plant Protection Products;
FSS2	Protection of Habitats and Biodiversity	Includes: Protection of designated sites; Protection of habitats and biodiversity for nesting birds; Protection of habitats and biodiversity from damage caused by Plant Protection Products; Prevention of encroachment by invasive species.
FSS3	Protection of Landscape, Archaeological  and Heritage Features	Includes: Protection of landscape features;  Protection of archaeological features; and Protection of heritage features.
FSS4	Protection of Soils	Includes: Protection of soil as a resource by preventing soil erosion.
FSS5	Food and feed, herd and flock health and biosecurity	Includes: Implementation of biosecurity measures on farm to minimise the risk of introduction and spread of disease; Requirement to comply with disease detection, control and eradication measures; and Requirement to comply with measures ensuring the production of food safe for human consumption.
FSS6	Welfare and Protection of Farmed Livestock (including Transport)	Includes: Protection of the welfare of calves;  Protection of the welfare of pigs;  Protection of the welfare of farmed animals; and Welfare of animals during transport.
FSS7	Livestock Identification and Traceability	Includes: Identification and registration of cattle to facilitate their traceability; and Identification and registration of sheep and goats to facilitate their traceability.

131. When did the Farm Sustainability Standards come into effect?

• The Standards came into effect from 1 January 2026.

132. What is the purpose of the Farm Sustainability Standards?

• The Standards underpin the new suite of schemes introduced from January 2026 under the SAP.
• The Standards are designed to promote good farm management practices, encourage responsible stewardship and complement the regulations that protect the environment, animal and human health and animal welfare.
• Most of the Underpinning Requirements to the Standards reinforce existing legislation or form part of existing codes of good practice and farmers should therefore already be meeting most, if not all, of these.

133. Why were the Farm Sustainability Standards developed?

• A public consultation was launched in December 2021 seeking views on the Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland. This consultation included the proposal to replace the current Cross-Compliance Statutory Management Requirements/Good Agricultural and Environmental Conditions (SMR/GAECs) with a simplified system of Farm Sustainability Standards, with the current Verifiable Standards re-written as a set of Underpinning Requirements to better meet local needs.
• Eighty percent of respondents agreed with the proposal. However, it should be noted that respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the current Cross-Compliance regime for quite different reasons.

134. What schemes do the Farm Sustainability Standards apply to?

• The Standards apply to all schemes and packages (in line with previous Cross-Compliance arrangements). This means that the Standards apply to payment schemes including the FSP, Protein Crop Scheme (PCS), Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP), Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), Forestry Schemes, Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme (BCR) and the Suckler Cow Scheme (SCS) and future strands of the Farming with Nature Package.

135. What will happen if I do not meet the requirements of the Farm Sustainability Standards?

• Where a farm business does not meet the Standards the amount of public money it receives may be reduced through a Revised Penalty Matrix.

136. What is the Revised Penalty Matrix?

• The Revised Penalty Matrix has been introduced in tandem with the Farm Sustainability Standards from 1 January 2026.
• The Revised Penalty Matrix has been devised to ensure the new penalty system is effective but fair, with a much greater emphasis on securing compliance rather than the application of penalties.

137. Who developed the Farm Sustainability Standards and Penalty matrix?

• DAERA has held extensive internal and external consultation with stakeholders and throughout this process has gathered a broad range of views on the Standards themselves and the new penalty matrix.
• FSS1 and FSS2 have been developed by officials from Environment, Marine and Fisheries Group together with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. Officials from Agricultural and Environmental Schemes Division developed FSS3 and FSS4. FSS5, FSS6 and FSS7 were developed by officials from Veterinary Service and Animal Health Group.

138. Will inspections be carried out?

• Yes, inspections will be carried out.
• The FSS inspection regime will mirror Cross-Compliance in that a percentage of farms will be selected for inspection based on selection criteria.
• Some standards, such as Identification / Registration / Movement and TB testing will continue to be conducted administratively.
• Details of the new standards are available at https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/farm-sustainability-standards-underpinning-requirements.

139. What is DAERA’s definition of a breach of Farm Sustainability Standards?

• A breach is defined as a failure to meet any Underpinning Requirement of the Farm Sustainability Standards.
• Repetition is defined as a breach of the same Underpinning Requirement within a three calendar-year period. Where a breach is repeated the penalty will be based on the severity of the repeat breach.  It should be noted that repetition can occur in the same year if a previous inspection has been finalised.

 

140. What are the changes to land eligibility rules?

• From 1 January 2026 all land in DAERA’s mapping system (Land Parcel Identification System) which is a field parcel at least 0.1 ha in size and has a boundary recognised by the Department, is eligible for FSP. 

This will include:

• soft features (rush, scrub, bracken, blanket bog, lowland raised bog, etc); 
  • discrete areas of woodland which are less than 5ha; 
  • woodland that is or has been part of a forestry or agri-environment scheme administered by the Department on or after 1 January 2009 (regardless of the 5ha threshold: and
  • areas with up to and including 70% stones, scree, rock or scattered rock; and 
• The following are not eligible:
  • Hard features; 
  • Discrete areas of woodland 5ha or more; 
  • Part of a woodland parcel which is less than 5 hectares and is contained in a woodland block; 
  • State-owned woodland or woodland on state-owned land; and
  • Areas of stone, scree, rock or scattered rock greater than 70%. 
• The eligible land must be under a farmer’s control from 1 January to 31 December; used for agricultural activity on a significant and consistent basis during the year; and at your disposal on 15 May.

141. Are the new land eligibility rules separate from eligibility for area-based schemes?

• Land eligibility rules determine the land which is eligible for the FSP.  Each scheme has individual scheme entry requirements which must also be taken into account. 

142. Will the changes to land eligibility rules affect entitlements?

• No. The land eligibility changes do not increase or decrease the number of entitlements a farm business holds. 

143. Why have the land eligibility rules been changed?

• The revised land eligibility rules reflect a move away from a production view of eligible land under the EU Common Agricultural Policy towards a view to include currently ineligible features for environmental benefit, including climate change mitigation, soil and water quality issues and biodiversity.
• This removes the push to control certain vegetation, in particular rush, heather, or bracken through burning, spraying or by mechanical means which is having unintended consequences through a detrimental effect on biodiversity and water quality.
• A public consultation was launched in December 2021 seeking views on the Future Agricultural Policy for Northern Ireland. This consultation included the proposal to make all agricultural land eligible for payment except for hard features (e.g. buildings, yards etc.) under future area-based schemes.
• Eighty-eight percent of respondents agreed with the proposal.
• The previous DAERA Minister announced the decision to change the land eligibility rules in March 2022. Minister Muir has upheld that policy decision.

144. Who has inputted into the changes to the land eligibility rules?

• DAERA has held extensive internal and external consultation with stakeholders and gathered a broad range of views on the changes to land eligibility

145. Will inspections be carried out to check on land eligibility?

• Checks on land eligibility will be carried out using remote sensing technologies and limited On the Spot Checks.
• Details are available to view in The Guide to Land Eligibility 2026 on the DAERA website https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/guide-land-eligibility-2025.   

 

Pilot Protein Crop Scheme

146. What is the pilot Protein Crop Scheme?

• The pilot Protein Crop Scheme aims to create a domestically produced source of protein for animal feed to provide agronomic benefits within arable rotations and provide an alternative source of income for arable farmers.

147. Can farm businesses still apply to the pilot Protein Crop Scheme?

• The pilot Protein Crop Scheme has been extended until the 2026 scheme year with the aim of further assessing the environmental and sustainability benefits which protein crops can deliver. 

148. What crops are eligible under the pilot Protein Crop Scheme?

• Eligible Crops include Spring Peas, Spring Field Beans, Winter Field Beans, Spring Sweet Lupins and Winter Sweet Lupins. 

149. What is the payment rate for the pilot Protein Crop Scheme?

• The payment rate for the scheme is £330/Ha.

150. Is there a maximum area which will be supported through the pilot Protein Crop Scheme?

• This scheme will support a maximum area of 1,300 ha per scheme year.

151. What is the minimum area that can be claimed by a farm business for protein crops?

• The area claimed must be at least 0.3ha and applicants may only claim on land planted in protein crops.

152. What has the impact of the pilot Protein Crop Scheme been to date?

• The area of protein crops grown in Northern Ireland has increased from 150 ha in 2020 across 32 farms to 481 ha in 2025 across 96 farms with spring beans being the most popular crop.

 

 

Beef Sustainability Package

153. What is the Beef Sustainability Package?

• The Beef Sustainability Package aims to help ensure the future viability of the beef sector, by helping the sector to keep pace with competitors, improve profitability, resilience and importantly reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. The Package is made up of two measures; a Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme and a Suckler Cow Scheme which together will aim to improve productivity and reduce emissions from beef animals.
• The Beef Sustainability Package will contribute to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions reduction from agriculture.

154. How is the Beef Sustainability Package funded?

• The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme and the Suckler Cow Scheme are funded from a redirection of payment entitlements.

155. What happens to any unspent Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme / Suckler Scheme funds?

• These are returned to the earmarked budget for redistribution across other schemes.

Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme

156. What is the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme?

• The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme aims to incentivise the beef sector to adopt more effective practices to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve the productivity of the beef sector. This will be achieved by encouraging farm businesses to reduce the slaughter ages of beef cattle. Payment will be limited to clean beef cattle born in NI, registered on NIFAIS and subsequently slaughtered in NI or sent for direct slaughter from NI.

157. How is the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme being funded?

• The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme is being funded from a redirection of funds from the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment in 2025 and the Farm Sustainability Payment entitlement unit values from 2026 onwards.

158.  Am I eligible for the Scheme?

• To be eligible for participation in the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, farm businesses must have claimed for, and be eligible for payment of, the Basic Payment Scheme in 2024, the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment in 2025 and the Farm Sustainability Payment from 2026 onwards.

159. How do I Apply for the Scheme?

• Farm Businesses must “opt” into the scheme through the Beef Sustainability Package Government Gateway - Login. This only needs to be done once during the lifetime of the scheme.  The farm business once opted in will remain in the scheme unless they notify the Department that they want to “opt” out. 
• An agent can apply on behalf of a farm business.

160. Is there an application window?

• The scheme will run for each calendar year from 2024-2027, a farm business can opt in during any year of the scheme.  E.g. to receive payment for the 2025 year a business must opt in before 31 December 2025.

161. Could I be penalised if I opt into the scheme, but do not present any eligible animals for slaughter?

• No, there are no penalties for opting into the scheme and subsequently not presenting any eligible animals for slaughter.

162. How will the Department decide which animals will receive payment?

• The Scheme is limited to clean beef animals, born in Northern Ireland and registered on NIFAIS.  A clean beef animal is one that has not been used for breeding, therefore, any heifers that have calved and are later slaughtered are not eligible to receive payment.
• To be eligible for payment the animal will need to be slaughtered wholly or mainly for human consumption in an abattoir in Northern Ireland or exported for direct slaughter from Northern Ireland. It must also be slaughtered at or below the maximum age of slaughter target set for each Scheme year.

163. What are the maximum age slaughter targets?

• The maximum age at slaughter targets are set out in the table below-

Scheme Year	Max age at slaughter
Year 1 - 2024	30 months
Year 2 - 2025	28 months
Year 3 - 2026	27 months
Year 4 – 2027	26 months

• There are no different target ages for bulls, steers or heifers at this stage. 
•  There is no minimum slaughter age.

164. When will each new maximum age at slaughter target come into effect?

• From 1 January of each Scheme year the maximum age at slaughter will adjust.  For example, on 1 January 2026 the maximum age at slaughter to be eligible for a payment will be 27 months.

165. How is the maximum age at slaughter calculated?

• An animal must be at or below the maximum age for the relevant Scheme year when slaughtered. In 2026 an animal will be eligible if it is slaughtered on or before the day it turns 27 months old, for example, an animal born on 1 April 2024 will have to be slaughtered on or before 1 July 2026 to be eligible for the BCR payment in 2026.  On 2 July 2026, it is 27 months and 1 day of age and outside of the Scheme.

166. Will eligibility criteria remain the same each new scheme year?

• With the exception of the new maximum age at slaughter target, all other Scheme eligibility criteria are currently planned to remain the same for all scheme years.

167. How will the Department decide which farm business receives the payment for an eligible animal?

• To be eligible for payment an animal must have been kept within a herd associated to that farm business (on NIFAIS) for at least 60 days (continuously) within the last 100 days before the slaughter date – this criterion is known as the “retention period”. 
• A farm business that has opted into the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme will be eligible for payment as long as the animal has met the retention period (and all other eligibility criteria).

168. What information do I need to provide the Department with for the animals that I have slaughtered?

• You do not need to provide the Department with any additional information about animals slaughtered as information to determine the eligibility of animals will be drawn from NIFAIS.

169. Will there be any on-farm inspections associated with the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme?

• There will not be any on-farm inspections specifically for the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme.

170. Do I have to send my animal directly to slaughter to be eligible for payment?

• No, animals can still be sold at market prior to slaughter.  You will be eligible for payment as long as the animal has met the required retention period.

171. Will animals that move to a mart but are not sold and subsequently return to the farm business be eligible?

• Yes, movement to a mart and return on the same, or next day will not be considered a break in the retention period.

172. Does my animal have to reside in Northern Ireland for the whole of its life?

• No, as long as all eligibility criteria and conditions of the retention period are met, the animal may be moved to the UK mainland or ROI for part of its lifetime and then return for slaughter or to be sent for direct slaughter from NI.  It must, however, have been born in Northern Ireland to satisfy eligibility criteria.

173. Are dairy-bred beef cattle eligible for the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme?

• Yes, as long as all eligibility criteria are met.

174. Are there any animal statuses which will disqualify an animal from payment?

• An animal will be ineligible if it has either of the following statuses:

  DOBQ – date of birth query; or

  IDU – Identity unknown.

175. What payment will I receive for each eligible animal?

• The payment rate per eligible animal is £75. 

176. When will payments be made?

• Payments will be made on eligible animals the following year after they are slaughtered, for example, eligible animals slaughtered in 2026, will generate a payment that will be made in spring 2027.

177. Is there an individual farm quantitative limit or a Northern Ireland quantitative limit for the number of animals that are eligible?

• There is a Northern Ireland quantitative limit of 352,000 eligible animals to ensure that the scheme is production limiting. This means that payments will be capped at 352,000 animals per year, in total, for all eligible businesses.

178. How did the Department calculate the quantitative limit?

• The quantitative limit was calculated by taking an average of historical data of all clean beef animals (heifers, steers & young bulls) slaughtered.

179. What happens if the quantitative limit is exceeded – the total number of eligible animals slaughtered exceeds 352,000 in any scheme year?

• If, in any scheme year, the quantitative limit is exceeded, a linear reduction will be applied at a farm level on the number of animals a farm business can receive payment for i.e. on a pro-rata basis.

180. If the number of eligible cattle slaughtered in any scheme year is below the quantitative limit, will the payment be increased?

• No, the payment of £75 per eligible animal slaughtered is set in legislation and will not be increased.

181. If there are not enough animals slaughtered to meet the quantitative limit – what happens to the left-over money?

• The quantitative limit is not a Northern Ireland target to meet. Any unspent funds are returned to the earmarked budget for redistribution across other schemes.

182. Are native breeds or late maturing breeds which take longer to mature disadvantaged?

• Age of slaughter is strongly influenced by management decisions and Beef Carbon Reduction does not confer any specific disadvantage on any particular breed or system of production.
• Many traditional native breeds are early maturing cattle, which means that under a given management regime they can achieve the desired levels of finish at lighter weights and at a younger age. 
• “Traditional" beef producers may choose not to avail of the Beef Carbon Reduction, but they may be better placed to avail of other aspects of the SAP.

183. Is there any training available to help meet the targets set for the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme?

• CAFRE is providing training through its Knowledge Transfer Scheme including Business Sustainability Groups and BEEF Themed Groups to help farm businesses meet the targets set for the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme. To find out more information on the training available visit the CAFRE website: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/knowledge-transfer-programmes/.

184. How do I find out about the regulations of the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme?

• The regulations for the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme can be found at:

The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme (Northern Ireland) Regulations 2023 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/id/nisr/2023/212

185. Is there anywhere I can view information relevant to my farm business and the animals that I have slaughtered?

• Yes, farm businesses and Authorised Persons who have opted in to the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme can check the BCR portal Home page - Beef Sustainability Package, to view the status of their cattle to confirm if a slaughtered animal will be eligible for payment.
• It also allows farm businesses to check if live cattle are approaching the maximum age of slaughter in that scheme year.

186. Can I join the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme at a later date as I do not currently qualify but may do in a year or so?

• Farm businesses can join Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme at any time whilst the Scheme is open and once opted in will remain in the Scheme unless they notify the Department that they wish to opt out. 
• You will only be eligible from 1 January of the year you have opted in (i.e. if you opt-in in February 2026, you are eligible from 1 January 2026, but you are not eligible for calendar year 2024 or 2025).

187. Will it be necessary to use increased levels of concentrate feeding to meet the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme targets?

• For the changes in slaughter age that the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme is seeking to deliver, resorting to feeding additional concentrates as the only management response across the sector is inadvisable and probably unprofitable. 
• Additional purchased feedstuffs can be avoided through better grassland management within a grass-based production system, as well as better attention to animal health and better genetics (regardless of breed).
• Training to support farmers to adjust their farming practices to achieve Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme targets is being delivered by CAFRE in the form of Business Sustainability Groups and BEEF Themed Groups. To find out more information on the training available visit the CAFRE website: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/knowledge-transfer-programmes/.
• DAERA will monitor and evaluate the impact of the Scheme against policy objectives to ensure no unintended consequences occur and, if they do, there will be flexibility to adapt and modify our approach quickly.

Suckler Cow Scheme

188. What is the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• The Suckler Cow Scheme is a payment support scheme for beef farmers in Northern Ireland.  It aims to encourage improvements in environmental performance and productivity, increased profitability and reduced greenhouse gas emissions within the Northern Ireland suckler cow herd. 
• The Scheme encourages farm businesses to improve breeding management practices in suckler cow production, to increase the percentage of eligible calving events of replacement heifers that achieve a younger age at first calving (AFC) and suckler cows that have a shorter calving interval (CI) over a four-year phased implementation period.

189. What are the elements of the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• The Scheme is made up of two parts: age at first calving and calving interval. 
• Conditions are independent of each other, and payment will be made if either is met. 
• The Scheme adopts annual calving event maximums for AFC and CI which decrease gradually over the four-year phased implementation period.

190. How will the Suckler Cow Scheme be funded?

• Funding for the Suckler Cow Scheme in 2025/26 will be from redirection of funding from the FSTP (FSTP) Scheme. Future Scheme Years will be funded from a redirection of funding from the FSP Scheme.

191. How do farm business apply to the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• Farm businesses must opt in to the Scheme through the Beef Sustainability Package Government Gateway - Home page- Beef Sustainability Package.  A farm business only needs to opt in once to the Scheme from 2025.

192. Is there an application window?

     The application window to opt in to the Suckler Cow Scheme opened on 1 April 2025.  Farm businesses can opt in at any time. However, a business must have opted in between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026 to receive payment for Scheme year 1. If farm businesses opt in and do not have any eligible calving events in that Scheme year, no penalties will apply. A farm business only needs to opt in once for the Scheme from 2025.  If a business has opted in, it will receive payment for eligible calving events each year thereafter, provided all eligibility criteria have been met in that Scheme year.

193. Who is eligible for the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• To be eligible for the Suckler Cow Scheme, farm businesses must claim and be eligible for the FSTP Scheme in 2025 and the FSP Scheme from 2026 onwards.

194. If farm businesses are ineligible for the FSTP Scheme and/or the FSP Scheme, can they still apply for the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• Sucker Cow Scheme eligibility is dependent on eligibility for FSTP and FSP.

195. Will dairy breed heifers and cows within a suckler herd be eligible for the Scheme?

• No.  Only calving events of beef breed heifers and cows will be eligible. A list of eligible beef breeds is available to view at the following link: Eligible Beef breeds | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

196. Will the calving event of a heifer imported from GB/ROI be eligible for payment?

• Yes, provided the heifer is registered on NIFAIS at the time of the calving event, the calving event is registered on NIFAIS, and all other Scheme eligibility criteria are met.

197. Will the calving event of a suckler cow imported from GB/ROI that has not previously calved in NI be eligible for payment?

• The first calving event in NI will not be eligible for payment as the calving interval cannot be calculated.  However, the first calving event in NI will be used for the purposes of calculating the next calving interval provided the suckler cow is registered on NIFAIS.  Second and subsequent calving events that are registered on NIFAIS will be eligible for payment provided all other Scheme eligibility criteria are met.

198. Will the calving event of a suckler cow imported from GB/ROI that has previously had a calving event in NI, be eligible for payment?

• Yes, provided the suckler cow is registered on NIFAIS, the previous and current calving events are registered on NIFAIS, and all other Scheme eligibility criteria are met.

 

199. Is there a maximum eligible age for heifers first calving event?

• Yes.  The maximum eligible age at first calving will reduce over a four-year phased implementation period as outlined in Table 1 below.

 Table 1. Calving Events Maximum AFC

Year of Scheme	Duration	Calving Event Maximum AFC
1	1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026	34 months
2	1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027	32 months
3	1 April 2027 – 31 March 2028	30 months
4	1 April 2028 – 31 March 2029	29 months

 

200. Is there a minimum eligible age for a heifers first calving event?

• Yes.  A calving event where the heifer is less than 21 months old will not be eligible for payment.

201. Is there a maximum eligible calving interval for suckler cows?

• Yes.  The maximum eligible calving interval will reduce over a four-year phased implementation as outlined in Table 2 below.

Table 2. Calving Events Maximum CI

Year of Scheme	Duration	Calving Event Maximum CI
1	1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026	415 days
2	1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027	405 days
3	1 April 2027 – 31 March 2028	395 days
4	1 April 2028 – 31 March 2029	385 days

202.  Is there a minimum eligible calving interval for suckler cows?

• Yes.  A calving event where the interval between births is 270 days or less will not be eligible for payment.

203. If an applicant’s first year in the Scheme is Year 3, will they only be expected to meet the first year’s targets?

• No.  Applicants joining the Scheme after Year 1 will be required to meet the age at first calving and calving interval targets at the year of entry.

 

204. Are there any identification, registration and movement statuses or disease statuses that will mean a calving event will be ineligible?

• Yes.  Calving events of animals with the NIFAIS statuses outlined in Table 3 below will not be eligible.

Table 3. Ineligible Statuses

Status	Age at First Calving	Calving Interval
DOBQ – Date of birth Query	Heifers and/or calves	Calves
VDF – Valid Dam Failure	Calves	Calves
IDU – Identity Unknown	Heifers and/or calves	Cows and/or calves
BVDU – BVD Unknown	Calves	Calves

205. If a calving event is not eligible for payment, will it be used to calculate the next calving interval?

• If the calving event is registered on NIFAIS it will be used to calculate the next calving interval.

206. If the calving event of a cow does not meet the 415 days calving interval in Year 1, is the calving event of the same cow eligible in Year 2 if it meets the 405 days?

• Yes, if the cow has a calving event in Scheme Year 2 that is at or below the maximum calving interval of 405 days, the calving event will be eligible provided all other eligibility criteria are met.

207. Will aborted and stillborn calving events be eligible?

• Aborted and stillborn calving events are eligible providing they are tagged, BVD tested and registered on NIFAIS.  Aborted and stillborn calves must also be disposed of according to animal by-products regulations.
• Aborted or stillborn calving events that are notified to NIFAIS, but which are not tagged and/or BVD tested, will not be eligible for payment.  However, the calving event will be used to calculate subsequent calving intervals.

208. Is there a limit on the number of aborted or stillborn calving events that will be eligible?

• Yes, a limit on the number of aborted and stillborn calving events per cow that can be paid is set at a maximum of two for the lifetime of the cow from commencement of the Scheme.
• A third or subsequent aborted/stillborn calving event will not be eligible for payment, but the calving event will be used for the purposes of CI calculation, provided the aborted/stillborn calf is notified on NIFAIS.

 

209. Does a calf have to live for a specified period of time after birth to be eligible?

• No.  Live, aborted and stillborn calving events will be eligible. However, they must be tagged, BVD tested and registered on NIFAIS.  Aborted and stillborn calves must also be disposed of according to animal by-products regulations.

210. Is there a quantitative limit on the number of calving events that receive payment?

• A Northern Ireland Quantitative Limit (NI QL) on the maximum number of eligible calving events per annum that can receive payment has been set at 222,000 animals.

211. What happens if the quantitative limit is exceeded?

• If, in any scheme year, the total number of calving events eligible for payment exceeds the NI quantitative limit, a linear reduction will be applied at a farm level on the number of calving events a farm business can receive payment for, i.e. on a pro-rata basis.

212. Is there a risk of incentivising increased livestock numbers?

• The Northern Ireland quantitative limit has been set at 222,000 calving events.  If in any scheme year, the total number of calving events eligible to receive payment exceeds 222,000, a linear reduction will be applied at a farm level on the number of calving events for which a farm business can receive payment. 
• The Scheme will be monitored for unintended consequences, particularly in relation to any significant increase in overall suckler cow numbers.  Should that happen, swift action will be taken, to pause or stop the Scheme, introduce negative payments or introduce individual farm level limits.

213. What is the payment rate per calving event?

• The payment rate per eligible calving event is £100.

214. Will the payment rate increase if the number of eligible calving events is below the quantitative limit?

• No, the payment of £100 per eligible calving event will not increase.

215. Will two payments be made if a calving event results in twins?

• No. Payment will be made in respect of each eligible calving event irrespective of the number of calves produced.

 

216. When will payments issue?

• Payments will issue from the following Scheme year after all eligibility checks have been completed. 

217. Is there be a retention period for heifers calving for the first time?

• No, a retention period is not being introduced at this stage.

218. Will a stocking density be introduced?

• A stocking density is not being introduced at this stage; however, the impact of this decision will be kept under careful review to ensure that there are no emerging negative environmental consequences.

219. Are there any issues regarding animal welfare with the reduction in calving age and calving interval time?

• Minimum eligible criteria have been set for age at first calving and calving interval to safeguard for animal welfare.  A calving event where the heifer is less than 21 months old will be ineligible for payment.  A calving event where the interval between suckler cow calvings is 270 days or less will be ineligible.

220. Will a farm business that lost a lot of breeding cows in 2021 to TB be eligible for the scheme?

• Loss of suckler cows to TB in 2021 or any year prior to the commencement of the Scheme will have no impact on Suckler Cow Scheme eligibility.

221. If a cow (3-year-old) had previously calved at 21 months old would this affect its status in the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• No - If a cow (3-year-old) had previously calved at the minimum eligible age of 21 months old this would not affect the potential Suckler Cow Scheme eligibility of her future calving events.

222. If a calving event is properly recorded and compliant at birth, does selling the calf after birth affect the eligibility for payment?

• No, selling a calf after birth will not affect eligibility of the calving event for payment.

223. Is there any training available to help meet the targets set for the Suckler Cow Scheme?

• CAFRE is providing training through its Knowledge Transfer Scheme including Business Sustainability Groups and Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups to help farm businesses meet the targets set for the Suckler Cow Scheme. To find out more information on the training available visit the CAFRE website: https://www.cafre.ac.uk/business-support/knowledge-transfer-programmes/.

 

Farming with Nature

224. What is the Farming with Nature Package?

• The Farming with Nature (FwN) Package is planned to support farm businesses across all land types to make substantial contributions to environmental improvements and sustainability. 
• A range of support for environmental actions are planned to be available under the Farming with Nature Package which will replace previous agri-environment schemes.

225. When will the Farming with Nature Package roll out?

• The Package is planned to be introduced in strands. The first strand, the Farming with Nature (FwN) Transition Scheme, launched in June 2025.   
• Further strands of the Farming with Nature Package are planned to offer support for environment actions on agricultural land within designated sites and other priority areas and to support collaborative action on a landscape scale.

226. Will a new entrant be able to apply for FwN and how do they ensure they are eligible?

• All farm businesses, including new entrants, that meet the scheme eligibility requirements and can take the actions needed to provide the environmental outcomes of the scheme will be able to apply.

Farming with Nature Transition Scheme

227. What is the FwN Transition Scheme?

• The FwN Transition Scheme aims to provide support for farmers to carry out environmental actions that create habitats and new green infrastructure and protect water quality. 

228. What legislation supports the FwN Transition Scheme?

• The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025 (The Farming with Nature Scheme Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2025). 

229. What are the eligibility criteria for the FwN Transition Scheme?

• To be eligible for the FwN Transition Scheme, a farm business must be in possession of a DAERA Category 1 or Category 2 Farm Business Identification Number. 
• Farm businesses participating in the FwN Transition Scheme must have management control of the fields in which actions are implemented. 
• Participants must be able to meet the scheme requirements and take the actions needed to provide the environmental outcomes of the scheme.
• Environmental actions cannot be implemented on agricultural land within designated sites and other priority habitat areas. 
• In 2025, farm businesses holding an active EFS Wider or Higher Agreement were not eligible for the FwN Transition Scheme.

230. Why were farm businesses currently holding an EFS Wider or Higher Agreement ineligible to apply for the FwN Transition Scheme in 2025?

• Actions funded by EFS were also available in the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, and it was essential to ensure that those actions were not funded twice by the Department.
• It is planned that active EFS agreement holders will be eligible to apply in 2026 for the FwN Transition Scheme.

231. What funding was available through the FwN Transition Scheme in 2025?

• In the first year of the FwN Transition Scheme, funding was  available for the completion of a number of environmental actions; planting of new hedgerows (£6.49/m), creation of 2m riparian buffer strip (£1.41/m), creation of 7m riparian buffer strip (£4.93/m), farmland tree planting (£6,756/ha), establishment of multi-species winter cover crop (£225/ha), and retention of winter stubble (£93.00/ha).

232. What supporting items were available through the FwN Transition Scheme in 2025?

• Funding for a range of items to support the implementation of environmental actions was available; protective fencing (£6.52/m), gate and two posts (£310.29), drinking troughs and concrete base (£169.70) and pasture pumps (£239.06).

233. What level of funding per farm business was available through the FwN Transition Scheme in 2025?

• Up to £9,500 was available per farm business to undertake environmental actions.

234. Is the FwN Transition Scheme still open for applications?

• No, the application window opened on Monday 23 June 2025 and closed on Monday 4 August 2025 at 5pm.
• It is planned to open Year 2 of the FwN Transition Scheme later in 2026.

235. Where can I get further information on the environmental actions and supporting items available in the FwN Transition Scheme?

• Further information is available at Farming with Nature Transition Scheme | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs 

236. Can a farm business just participate in year 1 of the FwN Transition Scheme?

• Yes, farm businesses are under no requirement to apply into any other phases of Farming with Nature in the future.

237. If I participated in the FwN Transition Scheme in 2025, will I be able to apply again in future years of the Scheme?

• Yes, farm businesses, who meet the eligibility and scheme requirements will be able to apply again in 2026.

238. Will support be available for existing hedgerows and existing riparian buffer strips?

• In 2025, support was available for the planting of new hedgerows and the creation of new riparian buffer strips that are additional to the farm business.

239. Do 2m buffer strips along rivers affect a farm business’ FSP?

• No, the 2m will still be eligible for the FSP.

240. Can the riparian buffer strip be more than 7m wide?

• Yes, the riparian buffer strip can be more than 7m wide, however the FwN Transition Scheme will only pay for 7m of the riparian buffer strips.

241. In terms of the payment, are claims for the work done made retrospectively?

• Yes, farm businesses will be required to implement actions on the farm and then they make a claim for the work completed. It is important that farm businesses only claim for the work that they have completed.

242. For the first year of the FwN Transition Scheme does all the work have to be carried out by the end of March 2026 or will there be flexibility if there is a particularly wet winter?

• Farm businesses can only claim for work completed up to 31 March 2026. They cannot claim for work planned but not completed. All claims must be made by 31 March 2026.  

243. When can I claim for payment for the work I have complete for Year 1 FwN Transition? And what happens if I was unable to complete all the work I had applied for?

• The FwN Transition claim window will open in March. You should only claim for work completed by the end of March. No penalties will apply should you not complete all the work you had applied for as long as you do not claim for work you have not completed.  You will be able to reapply for work you have not completed when FwN reopens for applications later this year.

244. Is there scope within the FwN Transition Scheme to ensure that trees are not planted near power lines?

• Guidance videos and guidance sheets are available as part of the online application process which advise on what is safe for the environment and in terms of power lines.

245. In terms of tree planting, there are other schemes out there e.g. Small Woodland Grant Scheme, how does a farm business decide which Scheme to go for?

• The Farmland Tree Planting action in the FwN Transition Scheme aims to give farmers the flexibility to establish smaller areas of trees across the farm. The minimum area funded under the Small Woodland Grant Scheme is 0.2 hectare, whereas the minimum area funded under the FwN Transition Scheme is 0.05 hectare. 

246. Is there a designated group of support organisations approved by DAERA who can advise farmers on what type of hedges, trees etc to choose for planting?

• Advice is available online through the FwN Transition Scheme guidance material and videos.

247. Do I have to apply in Year 1 of FwN Transition Scheme to become eligible for subsequent years of same scheme?

• No, the FwN Transition Scheme has been designed so that applications are made, work completed and claims made within each Scheme year. 

248. How many applicants were there for Year 1 of the FwN Transition scheme?

• There were 878 applications to the scheme in Year 1. 

249. Will the FwN Transition Scheme open again in 2026?

• It is planned that the FwN Transition Scheme will open for applications in 2026 with an expanded offer.

250. Will DAERA have further application windows and will joint applications from farm businesses be supported?

• We are working to develop further strands of the Farming with Nature (FwN) Package and to scale up nature friendly farming across Northern Ireland to protect and restore the natural environment.  Other elements of the FwN Package are also being progressed, such as focused support for Designated Areas and Priority Habitats. These are currently being developed with the aim of opening for application in 2026.
• In addition, plans are progressing to open a scheme in 2026 that will facilitate collaboration and advisory support on a landscape scale to address specific environmental concerns.

251. Will those in a 5-year EFS agreement transition to FwN?

• We are currently considering how best to ensure a smooth transition from EFS to FwN. 

252. Previous environment schemes allowed woodland to be scrubbed out after 15 years, will this be the case with FwN?

• To ensure that maximum environmental benefits are achieved, trees planted under the Farmland Tree Planting action must be retained for at least 20 years. 

253. Will I be rewarded for biodiversity improvements on my farm?

• In the initial strand of the FwN Package, farm businesses are to create new habitats on farmland.  Further work is ongoing to consider how biodiversity improvements may be rewarded.

254. Will payments be given for existing habitats?

• The initial strand of the FwN Package will focus on incentivising the creation of new habitats on farmland.  Work is ongoing to determine if incentives could be introduced which take existing habitats into account.

255. Will Irish Moiled cattle be covered in the FwN Package? 

• There are currently no plans to include actions for Irish Moiled cattle in the first strands of the Package.

256. Will a farmer living in an area with Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty status be prevented from planting trees if he applies for FwN?

• In the FwN Package, all applications for tree planting are assessed on an individual basis.  Not all sites are suitable for tree planting, for example wetlands, heathlands and areas of priority habitats such as species-rich grasslands. Pre-approval checks on tree planting applications can help to prevent any environmental impacts on sensitive sites and ensure that trees are planted in an appropriate location.

257. Will a farmer that is deemed ineligible for Farm Sustainability Payment based on farming activities in 2020 or 2021 be eligible to apply to FwN?

• Yes, receipt of Farm Sustainability Payment is not a requirement to be able to access the Farming with Nature Package.  

258. Can landowners apply to FwN even if they are not the business that is claiming the Farm Sustainability Payment?

• To be eligible for the FwN Transition Scheme, an applicant must have management control of the land. This means that they are able to carry out the action on the land and retain it for the period specified by the scheme. 

259. How many years do you foresee a FwN agreement lasting for?

• Annual agreements will be in place for the FwN Transition Scheme, but this may change as the Package is developed.

260. How many years will it take to show environmental benefit?

• The length of time required to show environmental benefit will vary depending on the environmental actions in place. This will be considered as part of the monitoring and evaluation framework within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme.

 

Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme

261. What is the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme?

• The Department is developing the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme to help primary food producers in the agricultural and horticultural sectors improve both their environmental performance and business efficiency.
• The scheme is planned to initially focus on capital support for technology and equipment to help farm businesses reduce ammonia emissions, carbon emissions and nutrient losses.
• The scheme is being developed with consideration of the level of need for different sectors and farm sizes and will take a balanced phased approach that will take account of the changes that are taking place in the industry. 
• It will benefit from the knowledge gained from initiatives such as the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and Carbon Footprinting Project as they progress.

262. When will the new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme be available?

• It is anticipated that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be available from April 2026 subject to necessary approvals and budget availability.

263. How will a new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme be funded?

• The funding for any new capital scheme will be determined in line with scheme development, and as part of the Department’s budget process in due course.

264. Will a new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme support farmers to reduce emissions and manage nutrients?

• The new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme aims initially to focus on capital support for technology and equipment to help farm businesses reduce ammonia emissions, carbon emissions and nutrient losses. 
• It should be noted that grant support cannot be used to meet existing statutory obligations.

265. What will the new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme include?

• Proposals for a scheme are being co-designed with stakeholder organisations, and it is not possible to set out precisely at this stage how the proposed scheme will operate or what will be included for support.
• It is important that new initiatives and schemes are simple and easy to access.

Farming for the Generations

266. What is the Farming for the Generations Pilot Scheme?

• The Farming for the Generation pilot scheme aims to raise awareness of the need for succession planning on farms to help ensure their long-term sustainability and to bring the next generation into the business. 
• It started in October 2024 and will finish in March 2026. 
• The evaluation of the pilot scheme will help inform the development of a full Generational Renewal Programme that is planned to be rolled out in late 2026. This will help identify the barriers and challenges faced by those involved in succession planning within the farm business.

267. What does the Farming for the Generations Pilot Scheme consist of?

• The pilot scheme consists of the following 4 elements:

Planning for Succession: Farm families will be supported to complete a farm business review, prepare a succession plan and develop a personal development plan for the successor/s.  Included in this element is two workshops, up to twenty hours of mentoring and support for professional fees for advice (up to £680) and business restructuring (funded at 50% up to a maximum of £2500).

Preparing the Successor: those identified as successors will be provided with ten workshops to develop their professional and business skills; a study tour; two hours of mentoring support and an opportunity for five participants to receive up to £8000 for study aboard. A separate cohort of 30 newly qualified agriculture graduates will also receive this training. If you are interested in finding out more about this training, further information can be obtained by contacting Rural Support.

Leading Succession: those farmers who are passing their farm business to the next generation will be supported through eight workshops looking at leading succession, retirement planning and mental health and well-being.

Farming in Partnerships: This is a facilitation service which aims to link farmers without an identified successor to consider opportunities to partner with new entrants and other farm businesses to provide access to land and other resources, developing sustainable farm partnerships. If you are interested in finding out more about this training, further information can be obtained by contacting Rural Support.

268. How do I find out more about the pilot scheme?

• The pilot scheme is being delivered by Rural Support. Further information can be obtained by contacting Rural Support by Telephone: 028 8676 0040 or email: farmgenerations@ruralsupport.org.uk.

269. Are any elements of the pilot scheme still open for application?

• Those interested in finding out more about the opportunities through Farming in Partnerships can contact Rural Support for further details.

270. What will be in the full scheme?

• The full scheme for Farming for the Generations is being developed through co-design with stakeholders. The details of the future scheme will be provided at a later date.

271. When will the new scheme be open?

• It is anticipated that the full scheme will be open in late 2026.

Horticulture Pilot Scheme 

272. What is the aim of the Horticulture Pilot Scheme?

• The aim of the Horticulture Pilot Scheme is to determine the feasibility of a full horticulture programme to increase the output of the Northern Ireland production horticulture industry.

273. Is the Horticulture Pilot Scheme open to all horticulture businesses?

• The Horticulture Pilot Scheme is open to the following sectors of production horticulture: soft fruit, top fruit, edible crops, mushrooms, protected crops, ornamental crops and cut flowers/foliage. Applications will be open to both new and existing growers.

274. How long will the Horticulture Pilot Scheme last?

• The Horticulture Pilot Scheme will last for four years. 

275. What schemes can growers apply to under the Horticulture Pilot Scheme?

• There are three sub schemes in the Horticulture Pilot Scheme offering support to horticulture businesses: 
• Sustainable Sector Growth Groups Pilot Scheme (Now closed)
• Innovation Drivers & Support Pilot Scheme 
• Growers’ Training and Support Pilot Scheme (Now closed)

276. Will all applications receive approval to participate in the Horticulture Pilot Scheme if they meet the eligibility criteria?

• No, it is intended that there will be a competitive application process for all three schemes. 

277. What will be available through the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme?

• The Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme will support investment in systems, technology, and crops that are new to Northern Ireland with the overall aim of encouraging innovation, improving productivity and sustainability.
• There will be no prescriptive list of eligible items and growers will present their plan as part of the competitive application process.
• Growers can apply for grant support up to a maximum of £250,000 or 40% of the total eligible cost of their proposed project. Therefore, the maximum purchase value eligible for funding would be £625,000. The minimum purchase eligible for funding will be £10,000. They will also receive specialist agronomy, supply chain and business development advice.

278. Can more than one applicant receive funding for the same innovation item/project?

• No, the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme is a competitive programme and only one proposal will be financed per each innovation.  Only one of each innovation item/project proposed will be selected following an assessment by an independent panel, therefore funding of multiple identical projects will not occur.  DAERA/CAFRE will not provide a prescriptive list of potential items/projects eligible for funding.  As part of the competitive application process, the onus will be on the applicants to propose and illustrate how their project will support the growing of a crop and/or the implementation of a technology or system which can be deemed as new to the Horticulture Industry in NI. 

279. What are the eligibility requirements to make an application to the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme?

• An applicant for an Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme grant must:

1. hold a DAERA category 1 or 2 farm business ID number; and
2. operate a commercial horticulture business.
3. be at least 18 years of age.
4. How do I register for a DAERA Business Identity Number?

 

• Information on how to register your business with DAERA is available on the following link: New Farm Business | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. 

 

281. When will the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme open for expressions of interest? 

• It is anticipated that the Innovation Driver and Support Pilot Scheme will open for Expressions of Interest in Spring 2026.

 

Supply Chain Schemes

282. What support will be available to develop and enhance an effective functioning Agri-Food Supply Chain?

• A three-tier model of financial and facilitatory support for Supply Chains is currently being developed as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. Under this model, different levels of support would be provided for businesses that are in the early stage of collaboration (‘start-up schemes’), those that require further collaborative measures to develop their sector (‘scale-up schemes’) and those that require innovative, collaborative measures to address longer term strategic supply chain challenges and opportunities. 
• This model may be subject to change due to budget and business case approval. 

283. What Sectors will be eligible to apply to the Scheme? Will the seafood sector be eligible to apply?

• It is planned that all agri-food sectors would be eligible to apply to the Scheme. Applications from the equine, fishing and forestry sectors would not be eligible.

284. Will the Scheme be open to non-food agriculture sectors?

• The Scheme is aimed at the agri-food sector, however, there may also be scope for the Scheme to include non-food organisations. For example, fertiliser, feed, nutraceuticals, etc.

285. How much funding will be available in total?

• The total amount of funding (including maximum grant rate intensity) for the Scheme is under consideration based on budget availability.

286. Will the Scheme provide Capital Funding?

• No, the Scheme will not provide Capital Funding. Capital Funding may be provided as part of other support schemes of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, for example through the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme.

287. When is it expected that the Scheme would launch?

• The Scheme is expected to launch in Dec 2026 subject to interdependencies such as business case and legislative cover.

 

Other Areas

 

Sheep Sector

288. Will support for the sheep sector be considered in Sustainable Agriculture Programme?

• The main financial support currently available within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme for sheep only farmers is the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment in 2025 and the planned Farm Sustainability Payment from 2026 onwards. 
• The Farming with Nature Transitions Scheme, which closed for applications on 4 August 2025 was available to all farmers. It is planned that this Scheme will open again in 2026. Further strands of the Farming with Nature package and a new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme are also planned.
• The new Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme is also under development and will offer farmers support for equipment and technology to improve environmental performance and business efficiency. It is proposed that the new scheme will be open to all agricultural sectors, including sheep.
• Work has commenced on exploring the need for sheep sector support, within the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, in conjunction with stakeholders.

 

Arable Sector and Potatoes

289. What actions will DAERA take to support the arable sector?

• SAP will promote more efficient and sustainable farming practices for the arable sector through a mix of incentivisation, innovation, and enhanced farmer knowledge and training with a firm focus on data to help with decision making.
• The Farming for Sustainability - Knowledge Transfer Programme will support changes in on-farm management practices for the arable sector and the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will assist this sector with the adoption of precision technology and equipment to reduce emissions, nutrient loss and improve business efficiency.

 

 

Lough Neagh

290. How will the Programme contribute to the Lough Neagh Action Plan?

• While agriculture has contributed to the nutrient loading in Lough Neagh over the past century and more, today's farmers should not be blamed for the actions of previous generations. Instead, we must recognise that our farmers will provide a significant part of the solution in the delivery of mitigating actions.
• SAP is comprised of a suite of schemes, many of which will contribute to achieving improved environmental sustainability. 
• It will incentivise enabling actions which protect and enhance our natural and marine environment so that we can achieve better guardianship of water and air quality, soil health and biodiversity.
• An environmentally sustainable agri-food industry will also help to secure the recovery of Lough Neagh and improve water quality across Northern Ireland.

 

Young Farmers’ Payment

291. What support is available for Young Farmers?

• The Young Farmers’ Payment Scheme provided an annual top up to the BPS/FSTP scheme and provides an annual top up to the FSP scheme from 2026 to those farmers that meet the eligibility requirements.
• The last year to apply to the Young Farmers’ Payment Scheme was 2025. Payments can be received for five years for 2025 applicants, subject to applicants continuing to meet the eligibility conditions.
• Within the SAP a Farming for the Generations scheme will encourage longer term planning for farm businesses.
• A Farming for the Generations Pilot Scheme commenced in autumn 2024 that will support farm businesses in planning for a timely and orderly transfer to a new generation. This Pilot ends in March 2026.
• A full scheme for Farming for the Generations is being developed through co-design with stakeholders. The details of the future scheme will be provided at a later date.
• It is anticipated that the full scheme will be open in late 2026.

Monitoring and Evaluation of SAP

292. How will the impact of SAP be evaluated?

• A range of measurements will be used to evaluate the main outcomes of the SAP, these will include:
• Total Factor Productivity for Northern Ireland Agriculture; 
• Net Greenhouse Gas emissions for Northern Ireland Agriculture and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF); 
• Nitrogen and Phosphorus balances; 
• Ammonia emissions from farming; 
• Biodiversity as the condition of environmental features and wild bird populations; 
• Farm income derived from the market; 
• Gross Value added from agriculture and food processing; and
• Compliance with Farm Sustainability Standards.

 

Planning Permission

293. Will the new Sustainable Agriculture Programme impact on Planning permission for on-farm development?

• It is not envisaged that the new Sustainable Agriculture Programme will impact on planning permission for on-farm development. Questions on planning permission should be addressed to the planning authorities.

Agriculture Policy Reform Elsewhere

294. What is taking place in other parts of the UK and Ireland?

• Agricultural support policy is a fully devolved matter, with each of the UK regions free to adopt an approach in keeping with its individual needs and priorities. 
• The Republic of Ireland, as part of the EU, remains part of the Common Agricultural Policy Framework. 
• DAERA continues to meet regularly, to discuss agricultural policy and share best practice, with counterparts in the UK and Ireland through various forums such as the UK Policy Collaboration Group (PCG), Senior Officials Programme Board (SOPB), Inter-Ministerial Group (IMG) and North South Ministerial Council (NSMC).
• Further information can be found at the following links: 
• Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs - GOV.UK
• www.gov.scot/farming-and-rural/ 
• Farming and countryside | Topic | GOV.WALES 
• www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/