There were 879 applications for the first phase of the new Farming With Nature scheme, a DAERA spokesperson confirmed. The first phase of the new agri environment scheme closed for applications on Monday, after a six-week window.

The confirmation on uptake means the scheme won’t be oversubscribed, as DAERA initially indicated that there will be a 900-applicant cap in the first year of Farming With Nature.

A department spokesperson told the Irish Farmers Journal that checks on all applications are now being undertaken.

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“It is anticipated that successful applicants will be informed during September/early October. Applicants should not carry out any work until they have been informed that they have been accepted,” the spokesperson said.

Successful applicants will need to complete scheme measures and submit a payment claim by the end of March, with payments then issued in the summer of 2026.

DAERA wants to allow more flexibility with the new scheme, so the final payment claims submitted by farmers can be for less than what their initial scheme application stated.

There is an annual cap of £9,500 on Farming With Nature payments and the minimum claim is £2,500. Successful applicants will also be able to apply to the scheme in future years.

There are five measures under the first phase of Farming With Nature, namely planting new hedgerows, fencing off watercourses, tree planting, retention of winter stubble and winter cover crops.

DAERA has indicated that additional measures could be made available for the second tranche, which will open for applications in 2026.