Farmers urged to review New Farm Sustainability Standards
Date published:
Farmers should familiarise themselves with the new Farm Sustainability Standards which come into effect from 01 Jan 2026.
The new Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) and their underpinning requirements were developed under the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, to maintain eligibility for Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) and other agricultural schemes.
FSS applies to multiple schemes including the Farm Sustainability Payment Scheme, Protein Crop Scheme, Farming with Nature Package, Environmental Farming Scheme, Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, Suckler Cow Scheme, and relevant Forestry Schemes. The key support available on the website includes the FSS underpinning requirements document and a short overview video setting out the seven standards.
For more detailed information regarding the standards and their underpinning requirements, and to ensure preparedness for upcoming changes, please access the website by clicking Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.
Notes to editors:
- The overall aim of the SAP is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies that benefit our climate and environment while, supporting our economically and socially significant agri-food sector. DAERA has worked extensively with stakeholders, through the Agricultural Policy Stakeholder Group, in the design of the programme.
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