Final registration deadline approaching for Soil Nutrient Health Scheme
Date published:
The deadline for registering for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) is fast approaching. Farm businesses in Co Antrim (Zone 4) and any other farms across Zones 1 to 3 which have not already registered should do so before the closing date of midnight on 1 September 2025.
This is the last time the scheme will be open for registration.
Over 18,600 farm businesses in Zones 1, 2 and 3 are already benefitting from taking part in the Scheme. Farm businesses receive valuable information to help match slurry, fertiliser and lime applications to crop needs more accurately. This will help to increase efficiency and protect the environment.
The SNHS provides important information unique to each farm business. Data collected in the SNHS will not be used for any enforcement purposes. It will be shared only with AFBI for research purposes, and with third party contractors who collect and analyse the soil samples.
It is important to note that taking part in the Scheme and completing the training is planned to be a conditionality for the new Farm Sustainability Payment from January 2026.
Registration for the Scheme is easy to do through the farm business Government Gateway Account.
For more information or help with registering contact your local DAERA Direct office, a local agent or visit the AFBI website.
Notes to editors:
- Registrations to Zone 1 of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (County Down and parts of Counties Antrim and Armagh) opened from May to September 2022.
- Zone 2 (Fermanagh, the west of County Armagh and South Tyrone) opened from June to August 2023.
- Zone 3 (North Tyrone Co Derry/Londonderry) opened from June to August 2024.
- Uptake by farm businesses across Zones 1, 2 and 3 was at 90% overall.
- Zone 4 (Co Antrim) opened for on-line registrations on 16 June 2025.
- To date over 2,000 farm businesses have registered to Zone 4 of the scheme.
- Farmers in Zones 1, 2 and 3 who have not yet registered can also register for the Scheme.
- Registration is through DAERA online services using a Government Gateway Account.
- Participation in the SNHS is planned to be a conditionality for the Farm Sustainability Payment from 2026. It is planned that farm businesses will be required to register for the Scheme and complete the training offered by CAFRE.
- All data collected during the scheme is protected under the SNHS Privacy Notice and the General Data Protection Regulations.
- The roll-out of the SNHS continues with the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) working closely with the 3 main sub-contractors for the delivery of the Scheme: RPS Group (soil collection), Cawood/NRM (soil analysis) and Field Group (LiDAR capture).
- The AFBI SNHS Admin team can be contacted on 02890 255212 or via email at: SNHS@afbini.gov.uk
- To watch a video testimonial from a farmer on the benefits of the scheme, please go to AFBI’s YouTube channel.
- Follow DAERA on X formerly called Twitter and Facebook.
- All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk or telephone: 028 9016 3460.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours’ service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110