A final reminder to claim payment has been issued to participants in the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme in Northern Ireland.

The scheme, which is part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, supports farmers to take meaningful action for nature, including habitat creation, green infrastructure, watercourse protection and carbon sequestration.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Minister Andrew Muir has issued a final reminder to participants that the claim window closes at 5:00p.m on March 31, 2026.

Submitting claims

Minister Muir said: “I would urge all eligible participants not to delay in submitting their claim.

“Payments can only be made for work completed and claimed by March 31, and any claims received after the deadline will not be accepted.”

DAERA said that participants who have been unable to fully complete actions due to adverse weather or other circumstances should only claim for work completed by March 31, 2026.

It is not necessary to submit a zero claim if no works have been completed.

Further opportunities to apply to the scheme will be available when it reopens later in 2026, DAERA said.

Claims must be submitted online.

All supporting documentation, including invoices, must be retained.

Invoices dated before acceptance into year one of the scheme will render the action ineligible for payment.

Draft NI nature strategy

Meanwhile, the public consultation for Northern Ireland’s draft Nature Recovery Strategy has been extended.

DAERA) said it will now be accepted submissions on the draft plan until April 15, 2026.

The draft Nature Recovery Strategy contains five strategic objectives and actions aiming to help deliver transformation across government, business and society to safeguard and restore nature and biodiversity.