Minister Muir announces £40million investment scheme to boost farm efficiency and the environment
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, has announced that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open for applications on 21 July 2026.
Minister Muir said: “I am delighted to announce that the Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will open on Tuesday 21 July, offering farmers grant aid of up to £25,000 for on-farm investment in equipment and technology.
“The scheme is a significant element within my Department’s Sustainable Agriculture Programme and expands the range of support available to underpin a thriving, resilient and environmentally sustainable farming sector.”
Support will focus on a pre-selected list of items to help farm businesses improve their environmental performance, animal health, and business efficiency. The scheme aims to support investment across all farming sectors.
The Minister highlighted the range of investments to be supported: “Eligible equipment will include options for the management of fruit, vegetables, crops, grassland and livestock, and for resource and slurry management.
“This includes a variety of precision and performance monitoring equipment, such as camera guided weed control, and heat and health detection devices.
“Investments ranging from £3,000 to £62,500 will be eligible for support under the scheme, with a grant rate of 40%.”
The eligible item list will be accessible as part of a simple online application system, which will be available when the scheme formally opens.
“Grants will be offered based on a reference price for each item, which means that applicants do not have to provide quotes as part of their application.
The Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme will be rolled out in a number of rounds over the next three to four years. This first round of the scheme will be open for 6 weeks, and applications must be received by 11.59pm on Thursday 3 September 2026.
More information on the scheme is available on the DAERA website at:
https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/sustainable-farming-investment-scheme.
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McMurray welcomes Tree Planting Action Plan
Andrew McMurray MLA has welcomed DAERA Minister Muir’s Tree Planting Action Plan, aimed at tackling barriers to increasing tree cover in Northern Ireland.
The Action Plan will actively identify new sites for woodland; work with landowners, farmers and others to encourage planting; and enhance resilience to better protect existing trees.
Mr McMurray said: “As a former outdoor instructor and a representative of a constituency with some of our most impressive landscapes and woodlands, I know all too well the benefits that we can all share from tree planting.
“Trees are critical to tackling both the climate and biodiversity crises, providing us with clean air and water, protection from flooding, wildlife habitats and carbon capture.
“Planting trees will also provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and specialised jobs in rural communities like South Down. This move by the Minister is most welcome.
“Northern Ireland has some of the lowest woodland cover in Europe. My constituency has lost a significant number of mature trees in recent years as a result of storms, as have other parts of the country.
“With climate change, these severe storms will become a regular feature of our autumns and winters.
“Reaching our climate targets will require us to plant more trees, faster. I commend Minister Muir for launching this ambitious new action plan.
“It will tackle a number of barriers that have held tree planting back over the past couple of years. We must all work to see it actioned and ensure progress in increasing tree cover across Northern Ireland.”
