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DAERA Funding Opportunities 2026: Key Schemes for Farmers and Rural Businesses

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The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has launched a range of funding initiatives in 2026 aimed at improving farm productivity, supporting environmental sustainability, and strengthening rural businesses across Northern Ireland. The three flagship schemes currently available are the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme (SFIS), the Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS), and the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (FwNT). Together, these programmes provide significant opportunities for farm businesses and rural enterprises to invest, innovate and grow.

1. Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme (SFIS) 2026

The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme is a new £40 million capital grant programme designed to help farmers invest in equipment and technology that improves business efficiency, animal health, and environmental performance. The scheme forms a key part of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and will be delivered over several funding rounds during the next three to four years.

Key Features

  • Grant aid of up to £25,000 per farm business.
  • Funding covers 40% of eligible investment costs.
  • Open to primary food producers in the livestock, arable and horticultural sectors with a Category 1 Farm Business ID.
  • Applications open 21 July 2026 and close 3 September 2026.

Eligible Investments

The scheme supports a wide range of technologies and equipment, including:

  • Precision farming technology
  • Livestock health and heat detection systems
  • Crop and grassland management equipment
  • Resource efficiency technologies
  • Low Emission Slurry Spreading Equipment (LESSE)
  • Horticultural and vegetable production equipment
  • Environmental and performance-monitoring technologies

2. Rural Business Development Grant Scheme (RBDGS) 2026/27

The Rural Business Development Grant Scheme provides financial support for rural micro-businesses seeking to invest in equipment and technology that will improve sustainability, competitiveness, innovation, and business growth. The programme is funded through DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework and delivered in partnership with local councils.

Key Features

  • Total funding allocation of £4 million across Northern Ireland.
  • Capital grants between £500 and £7,500 available.
  • Support covers up to 50% of eligible project costs.
  • Applications open 29 June 2026 and close 30 July 2026.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be a rural micro-business or social enterprise.
  • Be located in a qualifying rural area.
  • Employ fewer than 10 full-time equivalent employees.
  • Be actively trading and appropriately registered.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding can be used for:

  • Machinery and equipment
  • Digital technologies
  • Productivity-enhancing investments
  • Business expansion initiatives
  • Sustainability-focused capital purchases
  • Equipment to support market diversification and innovation

3. Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (FwNT) 2026

The Farming with Nature Transition Scheme forms part of DAERA’s wider Farming with Nature Package and supports farmers undertaking environmental improvements on their land. The scheme encourages practical actions that enhance biodiversity, improve water quality and contribute to carbon sequestration while maintaining sustainable food production.

Year 2 Scheme Highlights (2026)

The 2026 scheme has been expanded to offer more flexibility and greater opportunities for participation.

Key enhancements include:

  • Funding of up to £20,000 per farm business.
  • Eligibility extended to Environmental Farming Scheme agreement holders.
  • Eight new environmental actions added for Year 2.
  • Applications open from 30 June to 31 July 2026.

Supported Environmental Actions

Examples include:

  • Hedgerow planting and management
  • Riparian buffer strips
  • Farmland tree planting
  • Herbal leys
  • Multi-species cover crops
  • Arable field margins
  • Winter stubble retention
  • Habitat creation and enhancement measures

 

Contact the office for further information on each grant.

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