The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is informing members that the latest phase of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme opens today (26 June) for applications and farmers in zone two should apply as soon as possible. The aim of the scheme is to improve sustainability and efficiency in the farming sector and is being delivered by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI). It is being rolled out in stages using a zonal approach over the next four years and farmers from other zones will be contacted to apply at a later date.
UFU president David Brown said “After the successful roll out of the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme in zone one, DAERA is now inviting farm businesses located in zone two to register. Farmers across Fermanagh, in the west of county Armagh and South Tyrone will receive a letter from AFBI with details on how to do this. We encourage them to submit their application as soon as possible as this new scheme will have massive benefits for their farm business as well as delivering for the environment. Farmers in other areas will have the opportunity to apply in future years as the scheme is rolled out across the country.”
The data retrieved from the scheme will provide farmers with vital information on soil nutrient levels for each field on their farm as well as an estimate of the amount of carbon stored in their soils, hedgerows and trees. UFU has been reassured by DAERA that it will not use this information from the scheme to regulate farmers but being part of the scheme will be a requirement for future agriculture support payments.
“NI is setting a high global standard as the first region to establish an extensive baseline of all farms on soil nutrients, below and above ground carbon stocks. The scheme will help to improve water quality and the progression towards climate change targets adopting a science led, evidence-based approach.
“This soil testing and LiDAR scheme has the potential to revolutionise the way we manage our land and soils as a region, helping us understand more precisely what is happening on our farms. Specific training is available to farmers in zone one and zone two to assist them with using the nutrient and carbon data, and they can register for this online,” said Mr Brown.
The closing date to register for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme zone two is 31 August 2023.
To find out more about the opening of zone two please click here.
Farmers can register for the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme using their Government Gateway Account by clicking here.
