Farmers across Omagh, West Tyrone and surrounding rural communities are being reminded to accept their Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme (SFIS) Letters of Offer before the approaching deadline of Thursday 5 November 2026.
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has issued an important reminder to successful applicants, warning that funding offers not formally accepted by the deadline will expire.
The announcement is particularly relevant to farming businesses throughout the local area, where agriculture remains a major contributor to the rural economy.
£15 Million in Farming Investment Support
DAERA issued its first batch of Letters of Offer under the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme on 8 October 2026, representing approximately £15 million in potential investment support.
Successful applicants have been given 28 days to accept their offers through the official online Scheme Portal.
The scheme aims to help Northern Ireland’s agricultural sector become more productive, efficient and environmentally sustainable by supporting investment in eligible farming equipment.
For the many family-run farms and agricultural businesses operating throughout the region, financial assistance of this kind can provide valuable opportunities to modernise equipment and improve day-to-day operations.
What Local Farmers Need to Do
Farmers who have received a Letter of Offer must log into the SFIS Scheme Portal and formally accept their offer before 5 November.
Importantly, DAERA has confirmed that separate offers have been issued for low emission slurry spreading equipment (LESSE) and other eligible equipment.
Applicants successful in both categories must accept each offer individually. Accepting one offer does not automatically confirm acceptance of the other.
Farmers are also encouraged to check their application status online. Those showing “Letter of Offer Issued” must take action, while applications marked “Application Submitted” are still awaiting an outcome.
Failure to accept an issued offer before the deadline will result in that offer expiring.
Supporting Agriculture Across the Local Area
Agriculture continues to play a significant role in the local economy, supporting employment, family-run businesses and the wider rural community.
From livestock farmers and agricultural contractors to machinery suppliers and other businesses serving the farming industry, the sector provides an important foundation for economic activity.
Investment in modern agricultural machinery and environmentally responsible farming practices is increasingly important as businesses respond to rising operating costs, environmental targets and changing industry requirements.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme offers eligible businesses an opportunity to strengthen their operations while contributing towards Northern Ireland’s wider agricultural sustainability objectives.
For local farmers, accessing financial support can help improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and support the long-term sustainability of their businesses.
Check Your Offer Before the Deadline
With 5 November approaching, farmers across the area are encouraged to check the Scheme Portal and confirm that all relevant offers have been accepted.
Further information, application guidance and online resources are available through the DAERA website.
For successful applicants, taking action before the deadline is essential to avoid losing an important farming investment opportunity.
