GRANT ADVICE ARTICLES
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Katie Crawford
Oct, 15 2025This morning, following successful lobbying efforts, Defra confirmed that one-year extensions will be offered to 5,000 Mid Tier Countryside Stewardship agreement holders whose schemes are due to end on 31st December 2025. These extensions will provide a crucial bridge for farms that currently have no alternative funding route once their agreements expire, helping farms maintain […]
Edward Thompson
Aug, 21 2025
As UK farms continue to explore innovative ways to diversify and future-proof their businesses, recreational fisheries are emerging as a compelling option – particularly for farms with suitable topography and water resources.  Why Fishing? Angling is one of the UK’s most popular outdoor activities, with over 2 million regular participants. As interest continues to grow […]
Chloe Timberlake
Aug, 07 2025It is now over a year since the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The Environment Act 2021 stipulates a minimum compulsory requirement of 10% uplift for a 30-year period, however some local planning authorities are requiring a greater uplift to offset development. Around half of BNG requirements are currently delivered on-site by developers […]
Annis Cousins
Jul, 25 2025Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update, 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. For a printer-friendly version, click here. Please consider the environment before printing this publication. A ‘PLUS‘ version of this publication is now available to […]
Louise Penn
Jul, 22 2025As advisors working in farming and the food supply chain, we see the challenges our food system faces from the ground up. We understand the pressure on farm businesses, the volatility of markets, and the strain of trying to grow nutritious food under mounting environmental and economic pressures. We’re also in a privileged position, many […]
Edward Hutley
Jul, 07 2025Capital Grants Scheme Reopens As of 3rd July 2025, the Capital Grants scheme has officially reopened for applications. This round introduces £150 million in funding opportunities for farmers, land managers, and rural businesses across England. Therefore, if you want to benefit, act quickly. This is a first come, first served offer, so early action is essential. In other words, don’t delay, apply […]
John Price
Jun, 11 2025HIGHER LEVEL STEWARDSHIP (HLS) PAYMENT RATES INCREASE The Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) payment rates are set to increase for the first time in over a decade, with a £30 million investment aimed at aligning these rates with the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) schemes. The new rates will be effective […]
Toby Eve
May, 13 2025Defra has now confirmed that the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025, will open for application on 29 May 2025 and will close at midday on 10 July 2025. In preparation for the application window, Defra has released further detail on items that will be funded this year. Similar to last year’s offer the […]
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 […]