Area-based Schemes

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs offers several payments to farm businesses based on the land that they farm, or actions they take on their land. These payments are called ‘Area-based Schemes’ (ABS). ABS represent the largest payments made to farm businesses in Northern Ireland each year and play a key role in contributing to the Northern Ireland rural economy. ABS payments are made annually and must be claimed for by submitting a ‘Single Application’. Some ABS require an additional application to be submitted before they can be claimed for via the Single Application. You can find out more information on submitting a Single Application, and other applications, by clicking on the ‘How to Apply’ box below.

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Important Info

The Beef Carbon Reduction 2024 Scheme Year ends on 31^st December 2024. To receive a BCR payment in March 2025 for the 2024 Scheme Year you must opt in via the online BCR portal by 31^st December 2024 — How do I opt-in for BCR?

DAERA Messaging

Area-based Schemes are introducing a new digital messaging service for communications.

The new DAERA Messaging Service is secure, convenient and environmentally friendly.

It is essential for at least one member of your Farm Business to be a registered online user with DAERA to enable you to receive important communications regarding your Scheme Applications and Payments.

We will use the email address you have registered with DAERA to notify you when you have received a new message.

The message can be accessed through logging into your Government Gateway account or NI Direct Account (NIDA) when clicking on the link provided in the notification e-mail. It is important to make sure we hold the most up-to-date email information for you.