Environmental Farming Scheme Wider Level – Deadline

The Environmental Farming Scheme Wider Level deadline for application is approaching fast and we want to make sure that Ballymena farmers know all about it. The Environmental Farming Scheme is a voluntary agri-environment scheme that will support farmers and land managers to carry out environmentally beneficial farming practices on agricultural land. It is made up of three Levels. The Wider Level Scheme is aimed at delivering environmental benefits across the wider countryside outside of environmentally designated areas.

Photo by Alberto Restifo on Unsplash

To be eligible to apply you must have a DAERA Category 1 or Category 2 Business ID and have management control of at least 3ha of eligible land for the duration of the Agreement. A question and answer document which offers lots of information can be viewed here.

Environmental Farming Scheme Wider Level – Deadline

Here are all the details regarding the scheme and its latest deadline:

Farmers offered an Environmental Farming Scheme (EFS) Wider level Scheme agreement have until 31 July 2017 to accept their agreement otherwise it will be withdrawn.
To accept the offer of an EFS Wider Level Scheme agreement, farmers must log on to the Government Gateway where they can view their agreement document and associated information including the terms and conditions of the Scheme.

A DAERA spokesperson said: “It’s important that applicants familiarise themselves with the requirements, terms and conditions of the agreement on offer before accepting it. Agreements must be accepted via our online services web portal. Once you understand what you are agreeing to take on, simply click on the ‘Accept’ button within the On-line Services portal.

“If you have any queries or problems in relation to your EFS Wider Level agreements, contact the EFS Helpline on 0800 8675 7507 or email: efs@daera-ni.gov.uk.”

During the month of July DAERA Direct Offices will offer assistance to applicants to access, view and accept their EFS Wider Level agreements. DAERA Direct Offices are open Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 4:30pm. Alternatively please call 0300 200 7848 and ask for your local DAERA Direct office.

If you know a farmer in Ballymena who may be interested in the Environmental Farming Scheme Wider Level – please share this article with them.