Minister Muir announces £40million investment scheme to boost farm efficiency and the environment
Date published:
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, has announced that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open for applications on 21 July 2026.
Minister Muir said: “I am delighted to announce that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open on Tuesday 21 July, offering farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm investment in equipment and technology.
“The scheme is a significant element within my Department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and expands the range of support available to underpin a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable farming sector.”
Support will focus on a pre-selected list of items to help farm businesses improve their environmental performance, animal health, and business efficiency. The scheme aims to support investment across all farming sectors.
The Minister highlighted the range of investments to be supported: “Eligible equipment will include options for the management of fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock, and for resource and slurry management. This includes a variety of precision and performance monitoring equipment, such as camera guided weed control, and heat and health detection devices.
“Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 will be eligible for support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.”
The eligible item list will be accessible as part of a simple online application system, which will be available when the scheme formally opens. Grant will be offered based on a reference price for each item, which means that applicants do not have to provide quotes as part of their application.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be rolled out in a number of rounds over the next three to four years. This first round of the scheme will be open for 6 weeks, and applications must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
More information on the scheme is available on the DAERA website at: Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme.
Notes to editors:
- DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme has been developed in consultation with a range of food, agriculture, environmental and veterinary stakeholders across the SAP from its commencement.
- The overall aim is to transition to a more sustainable farming sector by seeking to implement policies and strategies that benefit Northern Ireland’s climate and environment, while supporting its economically and socially significant agriculture sector.
- Further information on Sustainable Agriculture Programme can be found on the DAERA website.
- Primary food producers, across livestock, arable and horticulture sectors with a Category 1 Farm Business ID will be eligible for the scheme. Potential applicants should ensure that they have a Government Gateway or NI Direct Account and that their contact details registered with the Department are up to date.
- Further information on the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme can be found on the DAERA website.
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