Area-based Schemes

The Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs offers several payments to farm businesses based on the land that they farm, or actions they take on their land. These payments are called ‘Area-based Schemes’ (ABS). ABS represent the largest payments made to farm businesses in Northern Ireland each year and play a key role in contributing to the Northern Ireland rural economy. ABS payments are made annually and must be applied for on the Single Application Form, which can be found here.

ABS include:

• Basic Payment Scheme;
• Protein Crops Scheme;
• Young Farmer’s Payment;
• Regional Reserve; and
• Environmental Farming Scheme.

The following link will take you to the single national (UK) website that provides details of recipients of CAP subsidy payments:

• CAP subsidy payments

Information on previous years schemes including forms and guidance can be found below: