AQW 16885/17-22

Mr John Blair
Alliance Party
South Antrim

Tabled Date: 25/03/2021
Answered On Date: 15/04/2021
Priority Written: No

Question:
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.

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.