Farm businesses across Omagh, rural County Tyrone and Northern Ireland can apply for up to £20,000 through the 2026 Farming with Nature Transition Scheme.
Farmers are being encouraged to apply before the deadline of 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
The scheme provides financial support for practical environmental improvements that can help farms become more sustainable, resilient and nature-friendly.
Following the first year of the programme, the 2026 scheme offers additional actions, greater flexibility and wider eligibility, giving more local farmers an opportunity to take part.
What support is available?
Eligible farm businesses can apply for funding of up to £20,000 to carry out approved environmental actions during 2026.
There is no minimum application value, allowing farmers to select actions that are appropriate for the size, needs and circumstances of their business.
The scheme is part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Sustainable Agriculture Programme and aims to support farmers in delivering meaningful environmental improvements alongside productive farming.
What has changed for 2026?
Several changes have been introduced following feedback from farmers and agricultural stakeholders.
These include:
- Eligibility being extended to active Environmental Farming Scheme agreement holders.
- Eight additional environmental actions.
- Three new arable field-margin options.
- Two herbal ley options.
- New management actions for hedgerows, trees and seven-metre riparian buffer strips established during the first year of the scheme.
- Funding of up to £20,000, with no minimum application value.
To qualify, applicants must have a DAERA Category 1 or Category 2 Business Identification Number.
Farm businesses that applied during Year 1 can apply again in Year 2.
Businesses that were unable to complete approved actions during the first year may also reapply for those actions, alongside any new actions available in 2026, provided that no payment claim was submitted for the unfinished work.
Supporting farming and nature in rural Tyrone
Agriculture remains a vital part of the economy throughout Omagh and rural County Tyrone.
The Farming with Nature Transition Scheme may help local farmers invest in improvements that protect waterways, support wildlife, strengthen hedgerows and improve soil and grassland management.
The scheme forms part of the wider Farming with Nature Package, which aims to increase nature-friendly farming across Northern Ireland.
Further information about the Farming with Nature Package is available on the DAERA website:
daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sap-payment-schemes
How to apply
Approval notifications will be issued through DAERA Message.
Applicants should check their email regularly, including their junk or spam folders, to ensure they do not miss any correspondence.
Work on approved Year 2 actions must not begin until an official approval notification has been received.
Full guidance, eligibility information and instructional videos are available at:
daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/farming-nature-package
Applications can be completed through DAERA Online Services:
daera-ni.gov.uk/AuthWeb/auth/login/DAERAOnlineServices
The closing date is 5pm on Friday 31 July 2026.
Help and further information
Farmers who need assistance can email:
FarmingwithNature@daera-ni.gov.uk
Alternatively, call 0300 200 7848, select option 2 for Grants and Funding, and then select option 2 to speak to the Farming with Nature Team.
Further information about the Sustainable Agriculture Programme is available at:
