EFS Wider Level to open for applications

The application window for tranche four of the Environmental Farming Scheme Wider Level (EFS) will open on Monday 17 August 2020, DAERA Minister Edwin Poots MLA has announced.

EFS contains a range of measures that farmers can undertake on-farm to enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and mitigate climate change. Farmers choose which options they prefer, depending on their individual preferences or farm type.

Applications must be submitted online by Friday 11 September 2020.

 Announcing the opening of tranche four, Minister Poots said: “I am pleased to announce the opening of a fourth tranche of EFS Wider for applications from 17 August 2020.

“EFS benefits both the farmer and our environment through the implementation of environmentally beneficial actions and works on their land. It aims to protect and enhance biodiversity and water quality, and mitigate against climate change by sequestering carbon.

“The previous three tranches have been successful, with almost 5,000 EFS agreements in place. I would therefore encourage farmers to consider applying for this next tranche of the scheme.”

Successful applicants will be offered a five year scheme agreement, which will start on 01 January 2021.  

Although there will be four weeks to submit an application, it is advisable for farmers to start thinking now about what options might  best suit their farm by visiting the DAERA website

Unlike previous agri-environment schemes, EFS requires much of the work to be completed and claimed by the 1 June of the first year of the agreement. Farmers should therefore be confident that they can complete all the work within the stated time periods. 

If the number of applications exceeds the funding available, applications will be ranked and those providing the highest environmental benefit will be selected.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted online, by the applicant or an agent acting on the applicant’s behalf, at DAERA’s online services

Help to access DAERA Online Services is available by contacting a local DAERA Direct Office on 0300 200 7848 or 0300 200 7840.

For further information or advice on EFS please telephone 0300 200 7848 or email: efs@daera-ni.gov.uk

Notes to editors: 

1. DAERA has announced the EFS Wider Level will open for applications on Monday 17 August to 11 September 2020. Applications must be submitted via DAERA's online services portal: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/environmental-farming-scheme-efs-wider-level
2. Tranche 4 of the scheme will not offer the EFS ‘Watercourse Stabilisation with Fencing’ (WSF) option. However, there are four other options for the protection of watercourses available. These are the 2 metre or 10 metre riparian margins which can be either ungrazed or planted with trees. In addition, the standard cost for ‘Drinking Trough Pipework’ has been reviewed and revised to £3.91/m. These changes have been made to ensure that Tranche 4 of the scheme continues to deliver on its environmental objectives and also provide value for money from public funds.
3. The Environmental Farming Scheme is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
4. Follow DAERA on Twitter and Facebook 
5. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office
6. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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