Farm businesses in Northern Ireland have until 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026 to apply for the first round of the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs has said.

The scheme opened on 21 July and offers grant support for on-farm investment in equipment and technology. It provides funding of up to £25,000 per application, with eligible investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 and a grant rate of 40 percent.

DAERA said the programme will make up to £40 million available to support a pre-selected list of items intended to improve efficiency and environmental performance across all farming sectors.

The department reminded farm businesses that anyone who has started an application but not yet submitted it should do so as soon as possible, with two weeks remaining before the deadline.

Applicants do not need to supply quotes. Grants will be calculated using reference prices for each eligible item, and the list of eligible items is available through an online application system.

The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme is part of DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme. It will be delivered in a number of rounds over the next three to four years, with this first round open for six weeks.