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Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs An Roinn Talmhaíochta, Comhshaoil agus Gnóthaí Tuaithe Depairtment o' Fairmin, Environment an' Kintra Matthers

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  • panorama aerial view of sunny winter countryside in Downpatrick, Northern Ireland

    Agricultural & Environmental Schemes

    The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs offers several payments to farm businesses based on the land that they farm, or actions they take on their land. These payments are called Agricultural & Environmental Schemes and have replaced ‘Area-based Schemes’.

    Single Application is opened from 2 March 2026. 

    It has not been possible to open the Entitlement Transfer Service on the same day. DAERA officials are working to open the service as soon as possible.

    NEW ONLINE AGENT NOMINATION: A new online process is now in place for Agent Nomination. For further information go to Online Agent Nomination 

    Agricultural & Environmental Schemes Details

    Useful information, Guides, Q&As and Forms for Agricultural & Environmental Schemes will be available soon.

    Entitlements & Transfers 

    Payment Information and Guides and Forms on obtaining, transferring and confiscation of Entitlements. Entitlements form the basis of the Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) and are what farm businesses use to get paid FSP each year.

    Farm Sustainability Standards

    Farm Sustainability Standards are the standard practices expected to be met by farm businesses in return for subsidy support.The Standards promote good farm management practices and encourage responsible stewardship.

    These standards came into effect on 1st January 2026.

    How to Videos Library 

    Here you will find the links to the How To videos within the Agricultural & Environmental Schemes pages.

    Farm Business Management  

    Information and Guidance for New Farm Businesses, Business Changes for current Farm businesses and Agents and Review of Decisions will be available soon.

    Registering for GG or NIDA and Online services  

    Details you need to know about registering for services such as Government Gateway, Online Services, Customer Portal,Agent Nomination Form will be available soon.

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    Agricultural & Environmental Scheme Details

    Here you will find useful information, Guides, Q&As and Forms for Agricultural & Environmental Schemes that are currently available from DAERA. They are listed below;

    Entitlements and Transfers

    On this page, you will find the comprehensive Guide to the Transfer of Payment Entitlements, which contains all the essential information you need. We encourage all customers to review this guide carefully to ensure you are fully informed. In addition, you can access the most up-to-date forms related to Entitlements and the Transfer of Entitlements on this page.

    This page is regularly updated as new information becomes available, so please check back periodically for the latest updates.

    How to Videos Library

    Here you will find the links to the How To videos within the Agricultural & Environmental Schemes pages.

    Online Agent Nomination

    New Online Agent Nomination Service

    The new Online Agent Nomination Service is a secure and efficient online service for nominating an agent to act on behalf of your organisation.




    Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS)

    Farm Sustainability Standards are the standard practices expected to be met by farm businesses in return for subsidy support.

    The Standards promote good farm management practices and encourage responsible stewardship.

    These standards came into effect on 1st January 2026.

    Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme

    The Beef Carbon Reduction (BCR) Scheme is a new payment scheme for beef farmers in Northern Ireland

    Farming with Nature Transition Scheme

    The Farming with Nature Transition Scheme aims to increase the extent of habitats on farmed land across Northern Ireland. The actions available will create new habitats, provide new green infrastructure, protect watercourses and contribute to carbon sequestration on farms.

    Suckler Cow Scheme

    The Suckler Cow (SC) Scheme is a new payment scheme for suckler cow farmers in Northern Ireland.

    Farm Business Management

    Here you will find the information and forms you will need whether you are a New Farm Business, reporting a Business Change or wanting to know anything about Review of Decisions.

    Registering for GG or NIDA and Online services

    Here you will find the links to online services.

    Farming with Nature Package

    The Farming with Nature Package aims to support farm businesses across all land types, to make substantial contributions to environmental improvements and sustainability.


    Beef Sustainability Package

    The Beef Sustainability Package aims to help ensure the future viability of the beef sector. It comprises two measures; a Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme and a Suckler Cow Scheme which together seek to improve productivity and reduce emissions from older non-breeding animals.

    Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS)

    The Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) offers participants a 5-year agreement to deliver a range of environmental measures and has three levels:

    • Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) general information and guidance
    • Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) - Wider Level
    • Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) - Higher Level

    FwNT Claim Submission How To Videos

    These new How To Videos below show you easy to follow step by step visuals.

    FwNT Claim Submission

    The claim window will open on Monday 2 March 2026, and close at 5pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026. Late claims will not be accepted.

    What to do if you are not happy with our decision on FwNT

    If you have a query regarding any decision we have taken about your Scheme eligibility or payment, you should contact us on 0300 200 7848 and discuss this with us.

    Am I eligible for the FwNT Scheme?

    The FwNT Scheme is an annual Scheme with an annual cap. Farm businesses, who meet the eligibility and scheme requirements will be able to apply again in 2026.

    To be eligible for FwNT Year 1 you must:

    SC Scheme How To Videos

    These new How To Videos below show you an easy to follow step by step visuals.

    Related to Agricultural & Environmental Schemes

    Most recent publications

    • FwNT Claim Amendment Form (CAF1)

      Published 1 March 2026
    • Guide to DAERA Identification Numbers for Business Customers, Animal Group Number (AGN) Keepers

      Published 25 February 2026
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • Application window for EFS Higher opens

      Published 22 April 2024
    • CAFRE launch options for completion of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme Training

      Published 23 November 2023
    See all news in this topic

    Access to information

    How to request information from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs including Freedom of Information (FOI), Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and the use of our Publication Scheme.

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