Minister for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Andrew Muir has confirmed that the 2026 Single Application and Map Service is now open for farmers.
The minister said that system opened on March 2 and will be followed by the opening of the Entitlement Transfer Service 9:00a.m tomorrow (Tuesday, March 10).
Minister Muir added that both services will remain open until May 15, 2026.
Single Application
The Single Application is the method for claiming any of the following schemes:
- Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP);
- Young Farmers’ Payment (YFP);
- Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS);
- Farm Woodland Premium Scheme (FWPS);
- Farm Woodland Scheme (FWS);
- Forest Expansion Scheme (Annual Premia);
- Small Woodland Grant Scheme (SWGS);
- Protein Crops Scheme.
The Single Application and Map Service also allows farmers to notify the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) of any changes to their land in 2026.
The department said this should be done early to avoid penalties.
Farmers are encouraged to submit their Single Application without delay via DAERA Online Services, and before 15 May to avoid late claim penalties. The final date for Single Applications is 9 June.
Minister Muir said: “Significant funding is available for farm businesses through the Single Application which provides much needed support for farming families to develop more environmentally sustainable, efficient and resilient businesses.”
“This year sees the introduction of the Farm Sustainability Payment (FSP) under the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP).
“FSP brings several key changes with the Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) replacing Cross-Compliance and new land eligibility rules coming into effect.
“There are also important changes regarding eligibility for FSP and businesses may need to take action to retain their entitlements in 2026, especially those that lease out entitlements, so it is imperative farm businesses are aware of these changes,” he added.
More information on the main changes for 2026 can be found on the DAERA website.
Entitlements
Farmers, or their agents, who wish to transfer entitlements for the 2026 Scheme year must do so by the deadline of May 15, 2025.
“The unit value of entitlements for the 2026 scheme year can only be confirmed once an Executive agreed Budget and my subsequent funding position is known,” Minister Muir said.
“Farm businesses should be aware that these figures may be subject to review following agreement of the Executive budget.
“Once my final funding position is known my officials will confirm the unit value of entitlements,” he added.
Farmers who need support when completing their Single Application can email the department or call 0300 200 7848.
Staff will be available on the helpline Monday to Friday from 9:00a.m to 5:00p.m.
