Last chance to claim payment under Farming with Nature Transition Scheme
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has issued a final reminder to participants in the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme that the claim window closes at 5pm on 31 March 2026.
The scheme, which is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, supports farmers to take meaningful action for nature, including habitat creation, green infrastructure, watercourse protection and carbon sequestration.
With the 31 March deadline looming, Minister Muir said: “I would urge all eligible participants not to delay in submitting their claim. Payments can only be made for work completed and claimed by 31 March, and any claims received after the deadline will not be accepted.”
Participants who have been unable to fully complete actions due to adverse weather or other circumstances should only claim for work completed by 31 March 2026. It is not necessary to submit a zero claim if no works have been completed.
Further opportunities to apply to the scheme will be available when it reopens later in 2026.
Claims must be submitted online via DAERA Online Services.
All supporting documentation, including invoices (for example, seed purchases), must be retained. Invoices dated before acceptance into Year one of the scheme will render the action ineligible for payment.
Guidance on scheme conditions and claims is available on the DAERA website at: Farming with Nature Transition Scheme.
For support, contact: FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or call 0300 200 7848 (9am–5pm, Monday to Friday).
Notes to editors:
- If a farm business uses a nominated person or agent on their behalf, they should contact them now to discuss their claim.
- Further information on DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme is available from the DAERA website.
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- 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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