Our on-going advocacy for nature-friendly farming in 2025

Published: 3 September 2025

An update from Mark McCormick, Sustainable Agriculture Policy Officer, RSPB NI 

With over 75% of Northern Ireland’s land used for agriculture, investing in nature-friendly farming is essential not only for farmland species and habitats, but to strengthen the resilience of our food system and farming communities. 

In September, RSPB launched a UK-wide petition calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to increase investment in nature-friendly farming. The campaign was supported by fellow eNGOs and farming organisations including Pasture for Life, Rare Breeds Survival Trust, Landworkers’ Alliance, and the Nature Friendly Farming Network. Farmers across the UK added their voices, appearing on a map of support to highlight the importance of nature-friendly farming and need for more support. 

We were thrilled that over 1,500 people in Northern Ireland signed the petition contributing to a total of more than 100,000 signatures UK-wide. Farmers, conservationists, landowners, RSPB members, supporters, campaigners and many more from all walks of life have come together to back nature-friendly farming. 

Building on this momentum, we launched a follow-up action in May enabling supporters in Northern Ireland to contact Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir directly calling for prioritisation of nature-friendly farming and increased investment in this area. 

Timed ahead of the Balmoral Show (Northern Ireland’s largest agricultural event) we amplified our message through a targeted social media campaign; new videos and polling showing strong public support; a radio interview and media outreach; and the core message at our Balmoral Show stall. 

Over 350 supporters contacted the Minister, sending a clear message: nature-friendly farming must be prioritised in Northern Ireland. 

Alongside public campaigning, we’ve been active behind the scenes - responding to consultations and engaging with government officials and MLAs. 

We submitted a response to the Nutrient Action Programme (NAP) consultation and issued a statement and MLA briefing ahead of the Assembly vote in July. While the NAP proposals offer a starting point for reversing declines in water quality and freshwater biodiversity, meaningful progress requires investment that matches the scale of need. 

Nature underpins the very fabric of our food production. We need healthy ecosystems and clean water to grow food. Nutrient pollution undermines this, threatening both nature and farming - therefore action is critical for the resilience of both. And for this action to be meaningful, it must be underpinned by meaningful investment, in a just transition that supports our farmers toward more sustainable and nature-friendly farming.  

We also responded to the consultation on the SEA Environmental Report for the Proposed Ammonia Strategy and Revised Operational Protocol, reinforcing the need for environmental safeguards and practical delivery.

A key focus this year has been advocating for robust agri-environment schemes. As highlighted in a previous update, Northern Ireland’s agri-environment schemes have long been under-resourced. 

The withdrawal of the Environmental Farming Scheme Wider-Level in 2023, without a replacement in place and in the absence of ministerial oversight, was a deeply damaging decision. It left a policy vacuum that persists to this day. 

Between 2023 and 2025, most farmers in Northern Ireland had no access to nature-friendly farming grants. Since then, only five Farming with Nature Transition Scheme (FwNT) options have been released. Some offer weaker biodiversity outcomes than previous schemes, and issues with mapping and eligibility have unfairly excluded many willing farmers who wanted to participate. 

While further options are expected in 2026, and we’ve submitted evidence to DAERA on priorities for this, the shortcomings of the initial rollout raise concerns about future scheme design and delivery. 
 

This is a glimpse into a critical strand of work for RSPB NI, and we’re deeply grateful to everyone who supported our campaigns throughout 2025. Whether you signed the petition, contacted the Minister, or simply shared a post, your collective action has amplified our voice. 

When we invest in nature-friendly farming, we invest in a brighter future - for our wildlife, our farmers, and all of us. 

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