The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) will reopen the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme for a final registration phase this summer. Farm businesses operating on or before 8 September 2025 can register online once the phase begins.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir announced the reopening. Over 90% of Northern Ireland farm businesses have already registered. The scheme supplies farm-specific nutrient and carbon data for land management. Registration and related training count as conditions for the Farm Sustainability Payment.

Eligible businesses will receive contact from the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute ahead of the opening. Details on the registration period will follow in a separate announcement. Farmers access the process via their Government Gateway account.

In related DAERA matters, Minister Muir called on farm businesses to submit 2026 Single Applications by midnight on 15 May 2026. Late submissions face penalties, though changes can occur until 9 June 2026. The applications cover significant funding under schemes including the new Farm Sustainability Payment.