Free advice · Northern Ireland

Soil Nutrient Health Scheme (SNHS)

Closed Water, rivers and soil

Free soil sampling and analysis of every field, nutrient run-off hotspot maps, a farm carbon estimate and CAFRE nutrient management training.

From: DAERA with AFBI (soil sampling) and CAFRE (training)
How much: Free (no charge to the farmer). Up to £45 million scheme investment.
Who can apply: Farm businesses in Northern Ireland that registered between 2022 and the final mop-up phase in 2026.
Opens: 5 August 2026
Closes: 7 September 2026

What you’ll need

Government Gateway or NI Direct (NIDA) login for DAERA Online Services
DAERA Category 1 Farm Business ID

How to apply

Registration is closed (final mop-up phase ran 5 August to 7 September 2026)
Registered businesses: finish the CAFRE SNHS online nutrient management training by 15 May 2027 to avoid a 10% FSP penalty
Contact CAFRE on 028 9442 6926 for training help

Registering and completing training is an FSP conditionality for businesses in operation on or before 8 September 2025. Penalty 10% of FSP in 2027, then 15% each year until met.

Official page Check if it fits my farm

Checked against the official pages on 29 October 2026. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4. Always read the official page before you apply.