Minister Muir announces the next phase of Farming with Nature
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the next phase of the Farming with Nature (FwN) Package
During today’s Balmoral Show (14 5 26), the Minister confirmed, subject to final approvals, the second year of the Farming with Nature Transition scheme will open next month.
Farming with Nature is a pivotal programme to improve biodiversity on Northern Ireland farms and will expand the range of environmental actions available to farmers.
Minister Muir said today: “Farming with Nature is a key priority within my Department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme reflecting our shared ambition to support an environmentally sustainable, resilient and thriving farming sector.
“I am delighted to announce that, subject to final approvals, Year 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will open in June, offering farmers an expanded range of environmental actions with increased support available.”
The additional actions planned for Year 2 will include the establishment of herbal leys, the creation of arable field margins and the ongoing management of habitats created under Year 1 of the scheme.
These measures will help improve the extent, condition and connectivity of habitats on farmed land across Northern Ireland, delivering lasting benefits for nature and society.
Minister Muir also confirmed plans for further phases of FwN: “I intend to introduce additional strands of the Farming with Nature Package in 2026, including support to farmers and other stakeholders to work together on landscape‑scale environmental projects.
“In addition, a scheme focusing on priority habitats and designated sites is planned for 2026. This scheme will initially prioritise those businesses that have ended their Environmental Farming Scheme (Higher) agreements ”
The FwN Package has been shaped through close and constructive engagement with stakeholders across the agricultural, environmental and wider rural sectors.
Minister Muir added: “I want to sincerely thank the members of the Farming with Nature stakeholder forum, including the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU), the Northern Ireland Agricultural Producers’ Association (NIAPA) and Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL), for their ongoing commitment, expertise and collaborative approach.
“Their input has been invaluable in ensuring the FwN is practical for farmers while delivering real benefits for nature and the wider public.”
As a pillar of DAERA’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme, Farming with Nature is designed to support farmers to deliver environmental benefits alongside sustainable food production.
It aims to enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecosystem resilience and contribute to wider societal benefits such as improved water quality, climate action and thriving rural landscapes.
The rollout of the Package commenced in 2025 with the successful launch of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme, supporting farmers towards more nature‑friendly farming practices.
Commenting on the announcement Peter McEvoy, Chair, NIEL Sustainable Agriculture Policy Working Group said: “We welcome the opening of the expanded Farming with Nature Transition scheme for 2026, which recognises the importance of agri environment support in rewarding farmers for protecting the ecosystems on which we all depend.
“We look forward to seeing the Farming with Nature scheme scaled up rapidly to cover priority habitats and landscapes across Northern Ireland and will continue to work constructively with DAERA and industry partners as it develops.”
James Lowe, NIAPA Chair, added: “NIAPA is very supportive of the Farming with Nature package and the expanded list of actions for the scheme in 2026.
“We continue to support further development of the package as it seeks to address environmental pressures whilst supporting profitable farming systems.”
Further details on the opening of Year 2 of the Farming with Nature Transition Scheme will be announced in due course.
 PackageDuring today’s Balmoral Show (14 5 26)){kind=link}