22/09/2025
£4.66m Committed To New Farming With Nature Scheme
The Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, Andrew Muir, has welcomed the strong uptake of the Farming with Nature Transition (FwNT) Scheme, with £4.66 million committed to applicants so far.
The scheme is the initial phase of a wider package designed to support biodiversity and nature recovery on farms.
According to Minister Muir, the demand from the farming community to do more for nature is encouraging, with 736 applications already approved for environmental actions and supporting items. The next phase of the scheme will open for applications in 2026.
Farm businesses can receive up to £9,500 in 2026 to undertake actions such as planting new hedgerows and creating riparian buffer strips, which improve water quality and boost biodiversity. The Minister said these actions will deliver environmental public good alongside food production.
A total of 87 applications are still undergoing validation checks. Successful applicants are reminded to only carry out works that have been approved upon receipt of their notification.
The scheme is the initial phase of a wider package designed to support biodiversity and nature recovery on farms.
Farm businesses can receive up to £9,500 in 2026 to undertake actions such as planting new hedgerows and creating riparian buffer strips, which improve water quality and boost biodiversity. The Minister said these actions will deliver environmental public good alongside food production.
A total of 87 applications are still undergoing validation checks. Successful applicants are reminded to only carry out works that have been approved upon receipt of their notification.
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23 August 2024
DAERA Minister Commits To New 'Farming with Nature Package'
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has committed to the development of a new 'Farming with Nature Package', during a visit to see first hand what Nature Friendly Farming looks like in practice in Northern Ireland.
DAERA Minister Commits To New 'Farming with Nature Package'
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has committed to the development of a new 'Farming with Nature Package', during a visit to see first hand what Nature Friendly Farming looks like in practice in Northern Ireland.
24 March 2022
£6m Allocated To Environmental Farming Scheme
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the allocation of £6 million for the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). Making the announcement, Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have processed 92% of all EFS Wider and Higher 2021 claims and where a payment is due to these businesses they have been made.
£6m Allocated To Environmental Farming Scheme
Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots has announced the allocation of £6 million for the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS). Making the announcement, Minister Poots said: "I am delighted to confirm that we have processed 92% of all EFS Wider and Higher 2021 claims and where a payment is due to these businesses they have been made.
27 August 2021
Minister 'Takes To The Waves' To See Work Of RSPB
Edwin Poots has "taken to the waves" for a visit to Lower Lough Erne to see the work of the RSPB to enhance breeding habitats on a number of islands. Speaking after the visits, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Any action to help our declining populations of breeding waders, especially curlew, has to be welcomed.
Minister 'Takes To The Waves' To See Work Of RSPB
Edwin Poots has "taken to the waves" for a visit to Lower Lough Erne to see the work of the RSPB to enhance breeding habitats on a number of islands. Speaking after the visits, the Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister, said: "Any action to help our declining populations of breeding waders, especially curlew, has to be welcomed.
08 December 2021
New £14m Funding Package Announced To Develop Environment Projects
Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots has announced a new £14 million funding package to assist farmers develop new environment projects. Under the fifth round of DAERA's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), successful applicants can expect to receive their online offer of an agreement in the next couple of weeks.
New £14m Funding Package Announced To Develop Environment Projects
Minister for the Environment Edwin Poots has announced a new £14 million funding package to assist farmers develop new environment projects. Under the fifth round of DAERA's Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS), successful applicants can expect to receive their online offer of an agreement in the next couple of weeks.
09 February 2022
DAERA Launches Consultation On Proposed 'Farming For Nature Package'
The Department for Agricultural, Environment and Rural Affairs have launched a public consultation on the proposed 'Farming for Nature Package' element of its Future Agricultural Policy Proposals for Northern Ireland.
DAERA Launches Consultation On Proposed 'Farming For Nature Package'
The Department for Agricultural, Environment and Rural Affairs have launched a public consultation on the proposed 'Farming for Nature Package' element of its Future Agricultural Policy Proposals for Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.