The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has opened the payment claim window for the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme from March 2 to March 31, 2026. DAERA Minister Andrew Muir called on eligible participants to submit claims promptly for work finished by the deadline.

The scheme forms part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. Minister Muir launched it last year to expand habitats on farmland across Northern Ireland. Supported actions include establishing new habitats, developing green infrastructure, safeguarding watercourses and aiding carbon storage on farms.

Farm businesses facing issues such as bad weather should claim only for actions completed by March 31. They can seek funding for remaining or additional work when applications reopen in 2026.

Claims require online submission by 5pm on March 31, 2026. Participants must keep invoices for items like seeds, but those dated before scheme acceptance qualify as ineligible. Guidance on claims, actions and rules appears on the DAERA website, with support via email at FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or phone at 0300 200 7848 from 9am to 5pm weekdays.