The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is calling on DAERA to provide urgent clarity on the future of Northern Ireland’s Protein Aid Scheme beyond the 2026 growing season.
The scheme, which supports the growing of protein crops including beans, peas and lupins, has delivered significant benefits for both farm businesses and the environment since its introduction. According to DAERA figures, the area grown under the scheme has increased substantially in recent years, demonstrating growing farmer confidence and demand for the measure.
UFU deputy president Clement Lynch said, “The Protein Aid Scheme has been one of the positive success stories within agricultural support policy. It has encouraged more farmers to diversify their rotations, improve soil health and reduce reliance on imported protein feeds, while also delivering environmental benefits. Many growers are now beginning to make cropping plans for 2027 and beyond. However, there remains a lack of certainty regarding whether a successor scheme will be available after the current programme ends in 2026. Farmers need that information as soon as possible to make informed business decisions.”
The UFU said the scheme has helped promote home-grown protein production in Northern Ireland, contributing to improved sustainability within the livestock sector while supporting farm resilience. “Protein crops play an important role in crop rotations. They help improve soil structure, contribute to nitrogen fixation, support biodiversity and can reduce the need for imported feed ingredients. These are outcomes that align directly with DAERA’s environmental and sustainability objectives.”
The UFU welcomed confirmation that a review of the scheme is underway and noted previous indications from DAERA that the assessment would examine both the environmental benefits of protein crops and the potential to expand the range of eligible crops in any future support measure.
“The growth in uptake demonstrates that farmers recognise the value of the scheme. We believe there is a strong case not only to continue Protein Aid beyond 2026 but to build on its success and explore opportunities for expansion. We are urging the Minister and DAERA officials to provide an update on the review process and set out their intentions for 2027 at the earliest opportunity. Certainty is essential if farmers are to have the confidence to invest and plan for the future.”
The UFU said extending the scheme would provide continued support for sustainable food production, strengthen Northern Ireland’s arable sector and help deliver environmental improvements across agriculture.
