A replacement for the higher level of the Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) is to open in 2026, Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir has confirmed.

In response to a series of written questions, Minister Muir said a team of DAERA officials are currently designing the next phase of the new Farming with Nature (FwN) scheme.

“This team is currently developing future phases of the FwN package for 2026 that will include a scheme to replace EFS Higher, focusing on support for designated areas, priority habitats and landscape projects,” he said.

EFS Higher Level was mainly for environmentally designated land and agreements under the eighth and final tranche of the scheme started in 2025.

It is understood that over 1,000 farmers in NI have EFS Higher Level agreements in place at present and around 150 of these five-year agreements are due to expire at the end of 2025.

Responding to questions from the SDLP’s Daniel McCrossan and the DUP’s Michelle McIlveen, Minister Muir said DAERA officials are “working at pace” on new the FwN scheme.

“Prioritisation of those with EFS agreements due to expire at the end of this year is being considered,” he said.

In August 2025, almost 900 farmers applied for the first phase of the new FWN package.

Five measures were available in the initial tranche, namely planting new hedgerows, fencing off watercourses, tree planting, retention of winter stubble and winter cover crops.

Farmers that had existing EFS agreements across higher or wider levels could not apply for the first tranche of FWN, however Minister Muir has now indicated that this will not be the case next time round.

“It is planned that existing EFS agreement holders will be eligible for future phases of the FWN package,” he said.