Agri-environmental Schemes
DARD’s agri-environment programme rewards farmers for environmentally-sensitive land management. The agri-environment schemes are considered crucial in delivering Government’s commitments in relation to biodiversity and sustainability.
The agri-environment programme 2000-2006 consisted of three schemes:
- Environmentally Sensitive Areas Scheme (ESA)
- Countryside Management Scheme (CMS)
- Organic Farming Scheme (OFS)
These schemes are now closed to new entrants.
On 4th June 2008 Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA launched the new Countryside Management Scheme (NICMS). The scheme was open to applications from 30th June 2008 to 29th August 2008. She also confirmed that a new Organic Farming Scheme will open fom 1st September 2008 to 31st October 2008. These schemes are under Axis II of the NI Rural Development Programme 2007-2013.