The Department of Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has confirmed that the Entitlement Transfer Service for 2025 will open tomorrow (Thursday, April 3).
Farmers wishing to claim the Farm Sustainability Transition Payment (FSTP) can now buy, sell or lease payment entitlements by logging into their DAERA online services account.
The trading period has been extended until May 15, 2025. Any entitlement transfers via lease during the 2025 trading period will be restricted to one year only.
Farmers can also view the number of entitlements they hold, their value, previous entitlement transfers, and other important information (such as entitlements that have been confiscated from the business).
As the department increasingly moves towards more digital communications, DAERA has advised farm business members to register now with the Northern Ireland Identity Assurance (NIDA)Â or Government Gateway for a DAERA online account.
Farm businesses should also regularly check their emails (including junk folder) for communications from DAERA area-based schemes.
The online services reduce paper based transactions, and help farmers comply with legislation, reduce potential errors and give farmers access to detailed information about their business and animals.
The Northern Ireland Food Animal Information System (NIFAIS)Â will be a new flexible and innovative IT system that supports efficient and effective delivery of current and future food animal information services.
NIFAIS will replace the current legacy, Animal and Public Health Information System (APHIS).
The advisory service can be contacted for help and guidance on how to submit an application to transfer entitlements, and advisers are available to help from Monday to Friday 9:00a.m to 5:00p.m.
