The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) is now accepting applications for the second year of its Business Sustainability Groups (BSG) scheme.

The groups, led by CAFRE advisers, bring farmers together for peer-to-peer learning and practical support. Members benchmark their business performance, identify efficiency improvements, and work on environmental outcomes.

Judith McCord, senior dairy adviser at CAFRE, said the new intake is an opportunity for farmers who missed the first year to get involved. She noted that rising costs, climate challenges, and policy changes make a support network increasingly important.

The first year of the scheme saw members sharing knowledge and observing on-farm technologies. Arron Haffey, a dairy farmer from Portadown, said meeting other farmers trying new approaches helped him adopt practices on his own farm.

The groups are designed to help participants navigate current and future requirements under DAERA policy while strengthening long-term profitability.

Applications close on Monday 29 June. Farmers can apply via the CAFRE website.