These are DAERA schemes for farms in Northern Ireland. Farmers in the Republic should see our Irish farming guides.
Quick facts
- Main payment
- Farm Sustainability Payment
- Minimum land
- 3 hectares, actively farmed
- Also needed
- Matching payment entitlements
- Apply through
- The online Single Application
- Farming with Nature
- Up to £20,000
- Beef
- Beef Carbon Reduction and Suckler Cow schemes
Farm Sustainability Payment
The Farm Sustainability Payment is the largest Agricultural & Environmental Scheme available in Northern Ireland, and was introduced in 2026. Farmers wishing to apply for FSP must be actively farming at least 3 hectares of land and hold an equivalent number of payment entitlements, applying through the online Single Application. FSP payments began on 1 September 2026.
Farming with Nature
The Farming with Nature Package replaces the Environmental Farming Scheme, which has closed to new applications. Its Transition Scheme offers farm businesses up to £20,000 for practical environmental work, with no minimum application value. To be eligible, applicants must have a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number. The 2026 window closed on 31 July 2026.
Beef farmers
The Beef Sustainability Package has two measures. The Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme pays once per scheme year: to receive BCRS payments, your business must opt-in to the scheme online, and you only need to opt in once. To be eligible for the Suckler Cow Scheme, farm businesses must have claimed and be eligible for the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment in 2025 and the Farm Sustainability Payment from 2026 onwards.
Other payments
The Protein Crops Scheme is an additional payment for growing beans, peas and sweet lupins. 2025 was the final year for new applications to the Young Farmers’ Payment, though successful 2025 applicants get the top-up for five years. Forestry annual premia, such as the Small Woodland Grant Scheme, are claimed on the Single Application.
Common questions
What is the Farm Sustainability Payment?
Northern Ireland's main farm payment from 2026, for farmers actively farming at least 3 hectares with matching payment entitlements.
How much is the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme?
Up to £20,000 for environmental actions, with no minimum application value.
Can I still apply for the Young Farmers' Payment?
No. 2025 was the final year for new applications.