Business Sustainability Groups open for applications

March 25, 2025

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced the opening of Business Sustainability Groups, part of the Farming for Sustainability Knowledge Transfer Programme.

Business Sustainability Groups will bring together groups of farmers and growers to use knowledge, cooperation and innovation to improve the sustainability and performance of their businesses.

Minister Muir said: “CAFRE Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) are a key part of the support schemes offered as part of the Sustainable Agriculture Programme (SAP). Participation in BSGs and knowledge transfer schemes will support all farm businesses enhance their environmental and financial sustainability helping to build resilience.”

These groups will follow a similar format to the Business Development Groups (BDGs) that delivered real improvements in farm performance with over 3,000 members. Following feedback from delivery of the BDGs, peer learning groups, will be delivered through Business Sustainability Groups and Themed Groups. BSGs will focus on larger, more complex businesses that may require a broad range of support and advice, and Themed Groups will provide more focused support and advice relating to specific enterprises and topics.

Farmers enrolled on a BSG will meet at least five times a year and will be made up of like-minded farmers. Each group and their members will have the support of a CAFRE adviser and other specialist technical support.

Applicants must be willing to collate some physical and financial data, share farm information with other group members and be willing to host a visit for the group. There will be financial support for members to collate the information on their business and for hosting group visits.

Minister Muir said: “I would encourage farmers to apply to the BSG scheme which is designed to bring them together, to support each other, enhance their knowledge of business management, new technologies and innovative ways of achieving more sustainable and resilient businesses.”

To make an application to the Business Sustainability Groups scheme click here or for further information Email: kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk