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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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  • Countryside Management and Managing your Business

    Information on agri-environment schemes, water quality, renewable energy and employing people on your farm.

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    Countryside management

    • Nutrients Action Programme 2019-2022
    • Agri-environment schemes
    • Nitrates Action Programme (NAP) and Phosphorus Regulations 2015-2018

    Managing your business

    • Brexit transition Q&As - HMRC
    • EU Exit webinar events
    • Finance management notes

    Efficient farming

    • Tackling greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture
    • Renewable energy and energy efficiency
    • NIEA has introduced online submission of manure export forms

    Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) - Higher Level

    The video has not been updated since 2022 and therefore makes reference to previous tranches. Please note, however, that the process remains the same but that there is no wider option for tranche 8.

    Registering Your Business

    All you need to know about registering your business to claim ABS.

    DAERA must maintain a record of the identity of anyone who submits an application to receive ABS payments. Each business must be registered with us and have a unique business identification (business ID) number. We cannot pay you unless you are registered with us as a farm business and have been issued with a business ID. If you are a new farm business and want to register with DAERA, you must complete an ‘FB1’ form. A copy of this form can be found below at New Farm Business Guides and Forms. More information on registering a new farm business can also be found here, or contact your local DAERA Direct Office. A list of DAERA Direct Offices can be found below also.

    Most applications for ABS must be submitted online at DAERA Online Services. To access DAERA Online Services you will need to register for either an ‘nidirect’ or ‘Government Gateway’ account

    Other Useful Information

    This section contains any relevant and important information that may be of interest to any Farm businesses, authorised Agents of Farm Businesses or anyone involved in Area-based Schemes.

    Movement of used agricultural and forestry vehicles and equipment under the NIPHL Scheme

    Used Agricultural and Forestry Machinery moving from GB to NI must be washed and clean, internally and externally, to ensure there is no risk of transporting quarantine organisms or pathogens.

    Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) general information and guidance

    This page provides general information and guidance for the Environmental Farming Scheme.

    Related to Countryside Management and Managing your Business

    Most recent publications

    • Overview of the Nutrients Action Programme since 2007

      Published 4 July 2024
    • Integrated Farm Survey Northern Ireland - June 2023

      Published 16 May 2024
    See all publications in this topic

    Most recent consultations

    • Consultation on the introduction mandatory CCTV into slaughterhouses in NI

      Published 26 March 2025 Consultation closed
    • Consultation on Proposed Future Arrangements for Public Intervention (PI) and Private Storage Aid (PSA) Rules

      Published 22 August 2023 Consultation closed
    See all consultations in this topic

    Most recent news items

    • Final call for all unregistered farm businesses to sign up for Soil Nutrient Health Scheme

      Published 12 June 2025
    • Pay increase for agricultural workers 27/03/25

      Published 27 March 2025
    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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