OUR THOUGHTS
From time to time, our experienced consultants take a moment to reflect on recent work, policy news or industry trends. Read what they have to say below and don’t forget, if you’d like to receive updates from us, including news and insights, business updates, and Ceres Publications, subscribe to mailing list.
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Robert Gazely
Jan, 13 2022DEFRA have reviewed Countryside Stewardship payment rates for revenue options. The new payment rates will apply from 1st January 2022 and are described by DEFRA as being “based on current costs.” For existing agreements beginning on or before 1st January 2022, where the new rate has: Increased, the new (higher) rate will be paid. Decreased, […]
Chloe Timberlake
Jan, 13 2022It might still be on a small scale, but there is plenty of interest in agroforestry and a desire among farmers and landowners to find out more. While it can be difficult to quantify the benefits, planting trees to boost biodiversity appeals to most, many are seeing the ability to generate income in the future […]
Edward Hutley
Dec, 13 2021Tim Isaac Joins Ceres Rural’s Expanding Team Ceres Rural, the independent rural consultancy launched earlier this year, continues to grow. The firm provides impartial advice to farmers and landowners across the south and east of England. Bringing Expertise to Saffron Walden Tim Isaac, formerly Knowledge Exchange Director at AHDB, has joined the team. Based at […]
Charles Garrard
Dec, 10 2021New Grant Channels Under the Agricultural Transition Plan The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and the Farming Transformation Fund have launched, opening new grant channels under the Agricultural Transition Plan. First up is the Water Management theme of the Farm Transformation Fund. Next, the Farm Productivity and Adding Value themes will follow in the coming […]
Phillip Norden
Nov, 03 2021DEFRA Delays Farming Investment Fund Launch DEFRA has postponed the much-anticipated launch of the new Farming Investment Fund until later this month. This delay is frustrating and concerning because the scheme sits under the Agricultural Transition Plan. Farmers have every reason to feel disappointed that the firm dates for removing the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) […]
Jock Willmott
Aug, 23 2021Ceres Rural lead technical agronomist and Partner Jock Willmott recently spoke with Dr Aoife O’Driscoll to discuss the 2021 growing season and planning for the season ahead.
Tim Isaac
Jul, 23 2021
Free Farm Review for Farmers During Agricultural Transition Farmers planning changes for the Agricultural Transition period can get free advice and support from Ceres Rural. This is available through DEFRA’s Future Farming Resilience Fund, which opens in August. What Farmers Receive Farmers who apply successfully to Ceres Rural receive bespoke recommendations in a Farm Resilience […]
Edward Hutley
Jun, 27 2021Countryside Stewardship Scheme: Making the Most of CSS Before the SFI Rollout As the 2021 Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) application deadline approaches, many farmers and landowners are actively reviewing their options for managing farmed and environmental land. These decisions come at a crucial moment as the industry prepares for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) rollout […]
Edward Hutley
May, 24 2021DEFRA Releases New Retirement Plans On 19th May 2021, DEFRA released plans outlining how farmers who want to retire from the agricultural sector can take their future BPS payments upfront. These plans appear in DEFRA’s consultation, which closes at midnight on 11th August 2021. The rules that emerge from this proposal will be set out […]
Charles Garrard
Apr, 28 2021Countryside Stewardship Mirror Agreements: Key Considerations for 2024 and Beyond Many farmers and landowners with Countryside Stewardship (CS) schemes ending this year have already heard from the RPA about renewing through new “mirror agreements.” These agreements aim to help landowners and farmers transition into the new ELMS scheme, but several important considerations should shape your […]