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NICMS

What is NICMS?

The NICMS is an Agri-environment scheme that opened in 2008.
It is a voluntary scheme that provides financial support to farmers and landowners for adopting farming practices that enhance our countryside.
NICMS aims to:
  • improve biodiversity
  • improve water quality
  • mitigate against climate change
  • improve soil quality
  • enhance the landscape
The N Ireland Countryside Management Scheme, together with the Organic Farming Scheme, is funded under Axis 2 of the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013[external site] (RDP) and part-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The budget available for the agri-environment programme is £219 million.
The target is to have 50 percent of agricultural land under environmental enhancement agreement by 2013.

Who can apply?

NICMS is open to all farmers and land managers with a Business Identification Number (Business ID) and with at least three hectares of eligible land.

What funding is available?

Annual payments vary according to farm size, the farmland habitats and historic monuments that are present and the areas or length of habitat.

When can I apply?

The NICMS opened from 10 March and closed again on 31 March 2010
For more information read the pages on Agri-Environment schemes and Countryside Management.