Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs)

CAFRE’s Business Sustainability Groups (BSGs) are open for a second tranche of applications. BSGs have been developed to support groups of farmers to improve the economic and environmental sustainability of their farm businesses. Each BSG is supported by a CAFRE Adviser, who will facilitate the meetings where members can collaborate, share knowledge and benefit from specialised technical advice. BSG members will also benefit from benchmarking, analytical testing and one to one support.

Business Sustainability Groups are enterprise specific, however, the economic and environmental sustainability of the whole farm is supported. A minimum of five BSG meetings take place each year and where possible, are held on members farms. Host farmers will receive a hosting payment.

Applicants can nominate up to two additional members to attend meetings on their behalf. Participants will share farm performance and must attend at least three of five meetings annually to qualify for a Learner Support payment

Participants can be a member of one BSG only at any one time and must not be a member of a CAFRE Themed Group for the same enterprise type e.g. a member of a B.E.E.F. Themed Group will be ineligible to apply for a Beef Finishing BSG.

Applications for Tranche 2 of the BSGs close on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 4:00 pm.

Apply to join a Business Sustainability Group. Read the Terms and Conditions

If you have any questions or require any more information, please contact:  kt.admin@daera-ni.gov.uk