ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT ARTICLES
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Beth Speakman
Jul, 08 2025There is a mix of relief and concern as Defra has confirmed that autumn muck and slurry spreading may continue within the Farming Rules for Water, but with stricter restrictions and requirements. This follows a High Court ruling which determined that the Environment Agency must place greater emphasis on immediate nutritional need rather than overall […]
Katie Arden
Feb, 26 2025
Yesterday at the NFU Conference, the government announced a range of farming updates, including increased funding for environmental and innovation grants, new support for farmers, and improvements to existing schemes. These measures aim to boost sustainability, enhance productivity, and ensure fairer access to financial support. ELM Capital Grants The popular stand alone 2024 scheme […]
Rosalie Sanders
Jan, 29 2025Quite easily missed in Defra’s update on January 6th was the announcement of 14 new endorsed SFI options and a host of new capital items to support both Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements. These will both be available from summer 2025, with the CSHT capital options available as soon […]
George Catchpole
Jul, 12 2024Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update July, a publication that provides independent insights on agricultural issues, from policy and grant funding, to administrative updates and key market information. Read the update here: Farming Update – July 2024. For a printer-friendly version, click here. Please consider the environment before printing this publication.
George Badger
May, 24 2024The details around the new Expanded SFI 2024 offer have been released, with applications open fully from 22nd July. Those wishing to apply sooner can fill out an expression of interest, and in the meantime, SFI 2023 applications can still be made online via the current system. New entrants and previous non-claimants of BPS can now […]
Robert Gazely
Apr, 10 2024Whilst the rigour of the BPS application has gone, there is still a requirement from the Rural Payments Agency for farmers and landowners to complete annual Countryside Stewardship (CS) revenue claims and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) declarations. Compatibility with land cover and land use as declared in the land use table is key to ensure […]
Beth Speakman
Apr, 03 2024 Forestry Commission Announces Increased EWCO Payments On 18 March, the Forestry Commission (FC) announced an immediate increase in payments for England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) grant recipients. The uplift applies to all existing and new agreement holders. Higher Payment Rates and New Premium Options The maximum payment per hectare rises from £8,000 to £11,600 or […]
George Catchpole
Mar, 25 2024Key Changes to SFI Actions Under the new rules, SFI applicants can allocate only 25% of their land to six specific actions that remove land from direct food production. These actions include: Flower-rich grass margins Pollen and nectar flower mix Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land Grassy field corners and blocks Improved grassland […]
George Catchpole
Mar, 04 2024 Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update March 2024, a publication that provides independent insights on agricultural issues, from policy and grant funding, to administrative updates and key market information. Read the update here: Farming Update – March 2024. For a printer-friendly version, click here. Please consider the environment before printing this publication.
Chloe Timberlake
Jan, 17 2024As has become customary, the Oxford Farming Conference provided a platform once more for announcements by Defra. Steve Barclay, the relatively new in-post Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs revealed changes to the Agricultural Transition Plan. He also detailed important updates to Environmental Land Management schemes, which will provide support for both […]