DAERA announces £40m farming investment scheme
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the £40 million scheme will open for applications on July 21, 2026.
The scheme will offer farmers in Northern Ireland grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm investment in equipment and technology.
“The scheme is a significant element within my department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and expands the range of support available to underpin a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable farming sector," Minister Muir said.
Support will focus on a pre-selected list of items to help farm businesses improve their environmental performance, animal health, and business efficiency.
The scheme aims to support investment across all farming sectors.
Investments
Minister Muir highlighted the range of investments to be supported: “Eligible equipment will include options for the management of fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock, and for resource and slurry management.
"This includes a variety of precision and performance monitoring equipment, such as camera guided weed control, and heat and health detection devices.
“Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 will be eligible for support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.”
The eligible item list will be accessible as part of an online application system, which will be available when the scheme formally opens.
Grants will be offered based on a reference price for each item, which means that applicants do not have to provide quotes as part of their application.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be rolled out in a number of rounds over the next three to four years.
This first round of the scheme will be open for six weeks, and applications must be received by 11:59p.m on September 3, 2026.
