For many farm businesses across Omagh and the surrounding rural areas, this is the final opportunity to join a scheme that is becoming increasingly important for both sustainability planning and future financial support.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS) will reopen this summer for a final mop-up phase, giving eligible farm businesses another chance to register.
The scheme provides farmers with detailed nutrient and carbon data specific to their own land, helping improve soil management, efficiency and long-term sustainability. It is already widely adopted across Northern Ireland, with more than 90% of farm businesses signed up.
Announcing the reopening, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the scheme has become a valuable tool for effective land management and environmental planning.
Importantly, registering for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme and completing the required training is now linked to eligibility for the Farm Sustainability Payment. Farm businesses that have not yet joined are being strongly encouraged to take advantage of this final registration window.
Eligible businesses must have been operating on or before 8 September 2025.
How to register
Registration will take place online through Government Gateway accounts. Eligible farm businesses due to take part in the mop-up phase will be contacted directly by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) with details on how to complete the process.
DAERA says a further announcement will be made soon confirming the opening dates for online registration.
For farmers and landowners across the Omagh area, this final phase offers an important opportunity to access valuable farm data, support better land management decisions and ensure continued eligibility for future support payments.
