DAERA Minister Andrew Muir reminded participants in the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme to submit claims before the 5pm deadline on 31 March 2026.

The scheme belongs to the Sustainable Agriculture Programme. It provides payments to farmers for actions such as habitat creation, green infrastructure, watercourse protection and carbon sequestration.

Muir urged eligible participants to submit claims promptly for work completed by the deadline. He noted that late claims will not receive payments.

Farmers unable to finish actions due to weather or other issues must claim only for completed work by 31 March 2026. No zero claim is required if no work occurred.

The scheme will reopen for new applications later in 2026.

Claims go through DAERA Online Services. Participants need to keep all supporting documents like invoices. Invoices dated before scheme acceptance disqualify actions.

Guidance appears on the DAERA website. Support comes via email at FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or phone at 0300 200 7848 from 9am to 5pm weekdays.