Payments under the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme (BCR), a key part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme, commenced on March 9, with 99 per cent of eligible businesses benefitting from £19.6million in payments on the first day for 262,132 eligible animals.

This strong start to payments marks another successful milestone for the scheme, which was launched in 2024 to support the beef sector in reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity.

DAERA Minister Muir reaffirmed his support for funding sustainable farming that delivers environmentalbenefits.

In its second year (2025), the Scheme’s maximum age at slaughter target was 28 months. This has now reduced to 27 months for animals slaughtered in 2026; the third year of the Scheme. The Scheme will provide the farmer with funding of £75 for each eligible animal slaughtered.

Payments commence for Year Two of the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme.

placeholder image — Payments commence for Year Two of the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme.

Minister Muir said: “I am pleased to see payments issuing promptly under the Beef Carbon Reduction Scheme, with 99 per cent of eligible farm businesses benefiting from £19.6million on the first day.

"These payments demonstrate my commitment to supporting the sector, improving environmental sustainability and recognises the efforts of Northern Ireland’s farmers to enhance productivity while contributing to reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”

The Minister added: “Since the scheme commenced it has resulted in a 43.1 ktCO2e reduction in carbon emissions and a 177.7 tNH3-N reduction in ammonia emissions, highlighting the positive role farmers continue to play in tackling climate change.”

Payments will continue to issue to remaining farm businesses upon the completion of validations.

Registered online users of eligible farm businesses will receive their payment notification via DAERA messaging. Agents will also receive the payment notification via DAERA message on behalf of the clients they opted in.

To receive notifications by e-mail and view payment details online, farm businesses must register with either NI Direct Account (NIDA) or Government Gateway (GG) for a DAERA online account. Registration for a DAERA online account can be completed at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/services/daera-online-services.

Further information and guidance relating to the scheme is available on the Department’s website at: www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/beef-carbon-reduction-scheme.