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  • Countryside Services Limited awarded training and facilitation contract

    Date published: 20 January 2026

    Countryside Services Limited has been appointed to deliver key knowledge transfer elements of the Farming for Sustainability Scheme.

    Dr Steven Johnston and Albert Johnston, CAFRE discuss Farming for Sustainability Scheme training programmes with Dr Andrew Kerr and Philip Cargill from Countryside Services Limited.

    Countryside Services will support the College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE), delivering face to face training and themed peer to peer group facilitation to farm businesses across Northern Ireland.

    “The appointment of Countryside Services will help ensure farmers have timely, practical and accessible training that supports productivity, environmental outcomes and resilience across the sector,” commented Albert Johnston, Head of Knowledge Advisory Service, CAFRE.

    The first training to be delivered by Countryside Services will be associated with the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme. It is now necessary to complete this training to receive future Farm Sustainability Payments. If you have still to complete the training, you can do so through online training at the CAFRE website. If you would prefer to complete the training in person, new dates and venues across the province and booking information can be found at the CAFRE website and at the Countryside Services website. 

    “We’re delighted to partner with CAFRE in delivering high quality training and facilitated peer learning to support farm businesses increase both efficiency and care for our environment,” remarked Dr Andrew Kerr, Countryside Services Limited.

    If you would like further information on relating to the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, please visit the Business Support area of the CAFRE website.

    Notes to editors:

    1. Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
    2. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.

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