Environmental Farming Scheme now open

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), has confirmed that the second tranche of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) Wider level opened for applications today (20 August 2018). Applications to the scheme must be made online. The closing date for applications is 21 September 2018.

This is the second intake to EFS Wider which is part-funded under the EU’s Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

The scheme is designed to address specific environmental needs, primarily relating to biodiversity and water quality. It is a voluntary scheme. Farmers and landowners with a DAERA category 1 or 2 Business ID and 3 hectares of land that is eligible for Basic Payment are able to apply. With the range of options available there should be something to suit most farms. However, businesses can only hold one EFS Wider agreement.

Applications must be made online either by the applicant themselves or through an agent, but a Government Gateway account or access permissions are required. The application process is straightforward and has in-built assistance throughout. This includes access to the applicant’s farm map, option menus, information icons, and error and warning alerts. It also allows changes to be made as often as needed throughout the application period. A user guide, and a ‘contact us for assistance’ button are also available.

After 21 September the number of applications received will be reviewed and, if numbers exceed the available budget, they will be prioritised to deliver maximum environmental benefit.  Successful applicants will be offered agreements towards the end of 2018 with those agreements starting in January 2019.‎

Factors to consider before making an application

• Explore what EFS has to offer online
• Are you registered for DAERA online services?  If not, or if you’ve never applied online before, then you will require a DAERA access key, a Government Gateway Account and a valid email address. To find out more about registering for DAERA Online Services you can call on 028 9442 6699, email: onlineservices@daera-ni.gov.uk, or Text Easy to 67300.  Alternatively, do you have someone you know who can help you? This can be a member of your family, or a friend, or your agent. You will need to complete a form to nominate an authorised person or call the EFS Advisory Team on 0300 200 7848.
• Only apply for what you can realistically complete within the period specified for each option. This is usually by 1 June 2019.

Support available

DAERA is providing a range of help and assistance based on individual need:

• Online through the DAERA website;
• Online and telephone through the EFS Advisory Team;
• Email through the EFS Advisory Team; and
• For those who have difficulties with online, ‘one-to-one’ assistance by appointment only, is available.

DAERA Website

The first primary source of information and guidance is the DAERA website. It provides access to the online application form and map, detailed guidance on the scheme, updated frequently asked questions and answers, “how to” videos on the online application processes, contact information, including help available, and up-to-date press articles.

EFS Advisory Team

The EFS Advisory Team (0300 200 7848), will provide advice and guidance on the scheme and how to apply for it. This Team should be the applicant’s ‘first point of contact’ (areabasedschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk). Advisors will be able to guide users through the online application process. They will also arrange one-to-one assistance, where it is necessary.

One-to-one assistance

A ‘safety net’ is in place for those farmers who have difficulties with broadband reception, do not have any IT equipment, or may not be confident in using computers. An EFS Advisor can, in certain circumstances, arrange an appointment in the local DAERA Direct Office (DDO). This appointment will be on a ‘one-to-one’ basis and the DAERA Direct Office Advisor will guide the applicant through the application using the online facility.

Notes to editors: 

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