Farm businesses across Omagh, rural Tyrone and wider Northern Ireland are being encouraged to prepare for a new £40million investment scheme designed to improve farm efficiency, environmental performance and long-term resilience.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open for applications on Tuesday 21 July 2026.
The scheme will offer farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for investment in on-farm equipment and technology. It forms part of DAERA’s wider Sustainable Agriculture Programme, which aims to support a more productive, sustainable and environmentally responsible farming sector.
For farming families and food producers across Omagh and rural Tyrone, the scheme could provide valuable support to invest in equipment that helps reduce costs, improve animal health, manage resources more effectively and strengthen business efficiency.
Eligible investments will include equipment for fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock, along with support for resource and slurry management. This may include precision and performance monitoring technology such as camera-guided weed control, heat and health detection devices, and other practical tools to help modernise farm operations.
Investments between £3,000 and £62,500 will be eligible, with a 40% grant rate available.
The scheme is open to primary food producers across the livestock, arable and horticulture sectors who have a Category 1 Farm Business ID.
Applications will be made through a simple online system. The eligible item list will be available when the scheme formally opens. Grant support will be based on a reference price for each item, meaning applicants will not need to provide quotes as part of their application.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be delivered in a number of rounds over the next three to four years. The first round will remain open for six weeks, with applications closing at 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
Potential applicants in Omagh and rural Tyrone should ensure they have a Government Gateway or NI Direct account and that their contact details registered with DAERA are up to date before the scheme opens.
The wider Sustainable Agriculture Programme has been developed in consultation with food, agriculture, environmental and veterinary stakeholders. Its overall aim is to help Northern Ireland move towards a more sustainable farming sector while recognising the economic and social importance of agriculture, particularly in rural communities.
Further information is available from DAERA through the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme page.
