Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme – closing soon
Date published:
DAERA is reminding farm businesses that there are two weeks until the application window for the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme closes.
Applications to the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme must be submitted by 11:59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme opened on Tuesday 21 July, offering farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm investment in equipment and technology.
There are now only two weeks left to submit applications before the application window for Round 1 closes on 3 September 2026.
Anyone thinking of applying to the scheme, or who has started an application and not submitted it yet should do so as soon as possible.
The scheme is a significant element within DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and expands the range of support available to underpin a sustainable, productive and environmentally resilient farming sector.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will provide up to £40 million with support focused on a pre-selected list of items to help farm businesses to boost their efficiency and environmental performance. The scheme aims to support investment across all farming sectors.
Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 are eligible for support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.
The eligible item list is accessible as part of a simple online application system. Grants 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 is open for six weeks, and applications must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
More information on the scheme, including the eligible item list.
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 at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/topics/sustainable-agriculture-programme.
- 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 at: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sustainable-farming-investment-scheme.
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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.
- 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.