The Sustainable Agriculture Programme is being co-designed with the Northern Ireland agricultural industry and other key stakeholders. The overall aim 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. Through striving to achieve its four outcomes of improved environmental sustainability, enhanced productivity, stronger resilience and an effective functioning supply chain, this Programme will have a role in the delivery of the Minister’s key priorities. Importantly the schemes, measures and actions being introduced will be essential levers in contributing to statutory obligations under the Climate Change Act (NI) 2022 and achieving a genuinely Just Transition. Delivery of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme will be essential in addressing ammonia and phosphorus related issues and incentivising and enabling actions to ensure environmental sustainability in Northern Ireland by contributing to water and air quality, soil health and biodiversity. The Programme will also secure sustainable productivity within Northern Ireland agriculture and assist with the development of effective functioning supply chains ensuring food security and high standards of disease control, public and animal health.
The Programme is being introduced in a phased manner over the coming months and years with a firm focus on genuine just transition and will provide options for all farm businesses in Northern Ireland.
You can download the Sustainable Agriculture Programme Overview Timeline from this page or see a graphic showing the timeline below:
Information current at the time of posting and may be subject to change as policy develops. Please continue to check back regularly for updates.
Related Documents
Latest News
- Minister Muir welcomes delivery of new Farm Sustainability Payment for Farmers – 1 September 2025
- Expressions of Interest opened for Horticulture Pilot Schemes - Sustainable Sector Growth Groups and Growers’ Training and Support – 8 July 2025
- New Suckler Cow Scheme Animal Information Screens Available Now – 30 June 2025
- Farming with Nature Transition Scheme now open for applications – 23 June 2025
- Suckler Cow Fertility Themed Groups open for applications – 18 June 2025
- Final Call for all unregistered Farm Businesses to sign up for Soil Nutrient Health Scheme – 13 June 2025
- Minister Muir announces intention to roll out the first phase of Farming with Nature Package – 15 May 2025
- Minister Muir announces opening of the Suckler Cow Scheme from 1 April 2025 – 26 March 2025
Useful Links
- Farming with Nature Package Transition Scheme – What’s Happening Next?
- Farming with Nature Package | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
- Action being taken to address the issues of Lough Neagh
- Suckler Cow Scheme How To Videos
- Sustainable Agriculture Programme Presentation delivered to Agri-Professionals on 31 January 2025
- Business Sustainability Groups Open for Applications
- Minister Muir’s Written Statement on the Sustainable Agriculture Programme