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GrantNorthern Ireland

Sustainable Farming Investment Scheme (SFIS) — Northern Ireland

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA)

Description

A new (2026) capital grant scheme for on-farm equipment and technology in Northern Ireland, delivered under DAERA's Sustainable Agriculture Programme as the replacement for the now-closed Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital (FBIS-C). Backed by a £40 million total budget to be rolled out across several rounds over the next 3-4 years, the first round offers 40% grant support (up to £25,000 per business) on approved equipment and technology investments that improve environmental performance, nutrient efficiency, and on-farm productivity.

Amount

Up to £25,000 per business, at a 40% grant rate on approved equipment/technology items

Deadline

3 September 2026

Eligibility summary

  • Available in: Northern Ireland.
  • Applicant must be a registered business.
  • Most relevant to: Agriculture & Fisheries.
Notes
Round 1 opened 21 July 2026 and closes at 11:59pm on 3 September 2026 via the Scheme Portal — this is a very narrow window, so treat the deadline as imminent and check DAERA's SFIS pages immediately for the exact remaining time or confirmation of the round's close. Further rounds are planned over the following 3-4 years as the wider £40 million budget is rolled out. Distinct from the FBIS-C it replaces (now closed to new applications).
Requirement
Primary food producer in Northern Ireland (livestock, arable, or horticulture) with a Category 1 Farm Business ID, investing in equipment/technology from the published SFIS item list.

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How to apply

Apply via the DAERA Scheme Portal before 11:59pm on 3 September 2026 for round 1; further rounds are expected over the following 3-4 years as the £40 million SFIS budget is rolled out — check DAERA's SFIS pages for the next round.

View official source

Last verified: 1 September 2026. See the footer disclaimer — this is general information, not financial or tax advice.