Minister welcomes first year of Farm Sustainability Payments
Date published:
The Farm Sustainability Payment is a key element of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, helping to build a more resilient, productive and environmentally sustainable agricultural sector.
Welcoming the commencement of Farm Sustainability Payments, Minister Muir said: “Through the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, we are supporting farmers today while helping to build a more sustainable, resilient and competitive future for tomorrow.
“This year marks a change in direction, with the new Farm Sustainability Payment delivered to farmers alongside a range of conditionalities, including a requirement to take part in the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and Bovine Genetics Project.
“Recognising the need to support farmers in taking climate action, it is my intention that participation in the Carbon Footprinting Project will also become a conditionality, subject to Assembly approval.
“New Farm Sustainability Standards are now also operational, replacing the previous cross-compliance requirements with a fairer, more robust system that protects our environment, improves biosecurity, and safeguards both animal and human welfare.
“Almost £240 million in Farm Sustainability Payments has been issued to Northern Ireland farmers, recognising the importance of agriculture as a key fabric of life within rural communities and the contribution farmers make to food production and environmental stewardship.
“The fact that 97% of eligible applicants received payment on the first day reflects our commitment to delivering support effectively.”
Payments will continue to issue following successful validation checks for the remaining applications.
Farm businesses are reminded to ensure their contact and bank details are up to date to help avoid delays.
Payment notifications and scheme correspondence will be issued through the DAERA Messaging Service.
Farm businesses should check their DAERA online account and email regularly, including junk folders. To receive notifications and view payment details online, they should register for a DAERA online account through NIDA or Government Gateway.
Further information on the Farm Sustainability Payment and the Sustainable Agriculture Programme.
Notes to editors:
- DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP) is being administered through close engagement with external and internal stakeholders.
- The overall aim of the Programme 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.
- The main source of funding for SAP is the NI Executive earmarked budget for agriculture, agri-environment and rural development (£329.4 million for 2026/27).
- For queries about FSP payments, contact Payment Delivery Branch by email at: agriculturalandenvironmentalschemes@daera-ni.gov.uk or by telephone on 0300 200 7848, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Press 2 for Grants and Funding, then press 1 for Payment Delivery Branch.
- Registration for a DAERA online account can be completed on the DAERA website at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services or by calling 0300 200 7840 for support.
- 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.