NPI Window Open For Farmers
The Department of Agriculture has opened the application window for Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) under the ACRES scheme. NPIs are once-off environmental actions that improve biodiversity, water quality, soil health, and overall sustainability — without being directly income-generating.
If you're an ACRES CP participant, you may be eligible for funding to carry out a wide range of NPI actions on your farm. Below, we outline what NPIs are, who is eligible, how the process works, and where to find more detailed guidance.
What are Non-Productive Investments (NPIs)?
Non‑Productive Investments (NPIs) are environmentally beneficial actions available to ACRES CP farmers that support biodiversity, water quality, increase the farmers capacity to improve field scores through management and overall environmental resilience. These actions are supported by funding under the ACRES scheme and must be planned with your ACRES advisor.
All NPI actions must follow the Department of Agriculture's specifications to be eligible for payment.
Examples of available NPI actions:
Riparian margin tree planting: Planting native trees along streams, rivers, or drains helps stabilise banks, reduce erosion, and improve water quality. Trees also provide habitat for birds and insects. - €1,671.60 max payment per NPI Annual Works Plan.
NPI Solar pumps: Installing a solar-powered water pump to provide an alternative water source for livestock helps prevent animals from entering rivers or drains. This protects water quality and reduces erosion. - €3,705.00 max payment per NPI Annual Works Plan.
Swift Box: Swifts are a protected bird species in Ireland and have experienced serious population decline. Installing swift boxes provides safe nesting sites and helps support their recovery.
Who Can Apply?
Only participants in the ACRES Co‑operation approach are eligible for NPIs. These are specifically farmers in designated high-priority areas as defined in ACRES documentation.
Application Window
The 2025 ACRES NPI application window opened on 5th August and will remain open until 17th October 2025. Farmers participating in the ACRES Co-operation stream can apply for funding to carry out Non-Productive Investments (NPIs) during this period. All applications must be submitted through a registered ACRES advisor.
For a full overview of the options available, you can view the complete list of Non-Productive Investments under ACRES here. If you’re looking for more detailed guidance on how NPIs work, what’s required, and how to apply, check out our NPI information page here or our NPI Overview document here.