Inspections underway as part of Farm Sustainability Standards

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is reminding farmers that on-the-spot inspections are now ongoing as part of the Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS), which apply to all farm businesses claiming the Farm Sustainability Payment.

Introduced on 1 January 2026, the Farm Sustainability Standards set out the baseline requirements farm businesses must meet in return for subsidy support. They are designed to promote good farm management practices while encouraging responsible environmental stewardship, animal health and welfare, and biosecurity.

Inspections assess compliance with the seven Farm Sustainability Standards Underpinning Requirements, covering water; habitats and biodiversity; landscape, archaeological and heritage features; soils; food and feed, herd and flock health and biosecurity; welfare and protection of farmed livestock; and livestock identification and traceability.

UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said, “We are reminding farmers that inspections under the Farm Sustainability Standards are now underway, relevant to all businesses claiming the Farm Sustainability Payment.

“These inspections are carried out to ensure compliance with requirements relating to environmental protection, animal and human health, animal welfare, biosecurity and livestock traceability. This may involve visual checks of your land, inspections of livestock and examination of farm records.

“It is important to prepare in advance, not only to reduce the risk of disruption to support payments for a range of different schemes, but also to ensure you can present the good management practices already taking place on your farm,” continued the deputy president.

“The UFU team is already assisting members who have been notified of upcoming on-the-spot inspections. If you have any concerns about an upcoming inspection, contact your local UFU technical officer, who will be happy to help you prepare and answer any questions you may have.”

If you need assistance or wish to find out more information about the Farm Sustainability Standards inspections, you can call UFU HQ on 028 890 370 222 or visit: Farm Sustainability Standards (FSS) | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs