AQW 16885/17-22 Written question to the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for an update on when the next intake of applications to the Environmental Farming Scheme will be launched.

Asked by John Blair MLA on 25 March 2021

  • Answered
  • Written
  • After due date
Tabled
25 March 2021
Answer due by
13 April 2021
Answered
15 April 202121 days after tabling
Department
Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs
Priority question
No

Answer

Tranche 5 of the Environmental Farming Scheme Higher element will open for applications on 29 April 2021, subject to the necessary approvals and availability of funding, with the Wider element opening in August 2021. A sixth Tranche is planned for 2022.

This will enable EFS to continue to support important environmental work in the countryside. I would encourage those farm businesses who have not yet joined the scheme to consider doing so.

Official sources