Farmers in Northern Ireland can apply for up to £20,000 through the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme. The application deadline is 5pm on 31 July 2026.

The scheme is part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs' Sustainable Agriculture Programme. Year 2 introduces new actions, greater flexibility, and expanded eligibility, following feedback from previous participants. It funds practical environmental improvements that also support farm resilience.

Eligibility requires a DAERA Category 1 or 2 Business Identification Number. Farmers who applied in Year 1 but could not complete approved actions may reapply for those actions, provided no payment claim was submitted. Previous applicants are otherwise welcome to apply again.

Approval notifications will be sent through DAERA Message, and work on approved actions must not start until notification is received. Full guidance, including eligibility and instructional videos, is on DAERA's website.

Applications are submitted via DAERA's online services. For assistance, email FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk or call 0300 200 7848, selecting the grants and funding option, then the Farming with Nature team.