DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announced the 2026 Single Application and Map Service opened on 2 March. The Entitlement Transfer Service followed at 9am on 10 March. Both services close on 15 May.

Farm businesses use the Single Application to claim funding under schemes including the new Farm Sustainability Payment. This payment introduces Farm Sustainability Standards and updated land eligibility rules. Businesses that lease entitlements must act to retain them for 2026.

Farmers should submit applications early through DAERA Online Services. The deadline to avoid penalties is 15 May, with a final date of 9 June.

Entitlement transfers for the Farm Sustainability Payment must occur between 10 March and 15 May. Unit values depend on the Executive's budget agreement.

Separately, payments under the second year of the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme started on 9 March. Eligible businesses received £19.6 million for 262,132 animals, with 99% paid on the first day.

The scheme provides £75 per eligible animal slaughtered. The maximum age target dropped to 27 months for 2026 slaughters. Since launch, it cut carbon emissions by 43.1 ktCO2e and ammonia emissions by 177.7 tNH3-N.

Notifications go via DAERA messaging. Farm businesses need a DAERA online account for email alerts and details.