The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise has started accepting applications from Northern Ireland dairy and beef producers for its Innovation Farm programme. Fourteen farms will join the network in the initial phase, with seven beef operations including suckler and finishing units and seven dairy units. Additional sectors will participate later this year.

Selected farms must show progress in environmental sustainability, productivity, resilience, supply chain function and One Health principles. They need to score at least the minimum in each area. Participants agree to host eight to twelve group visits annually for five to twenty-five farmers each to share experiences with new systems.

A panel will evaluate shortlisted applicants through on-farm assessments after checking eligibility. CAFRE staff will help prepare events and manage logistics on site. The programme also offers performance analysis, diagnostic tests and specialist speakers.

Hosts receive £786 for each visit. Farms lacking Officially Tuberculosis Free status qualify to apply but enter a reserve list until achieving that status.

This effort supports the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Farming for Sustainability Innovation Scheme to speed up adoption of practical changes in the local industry. The Sustainable Agriculture Programme guides the sustainable methods demonstrated.

Online applications appear under the Business Support and Knowledge Transfer Programmes sections at the CAFRE website. The deadline stands at 4pm on 6 March 2026. Kenneth Johnston, the programme manager, called on eligible producers to submit before then.