Grant Advice

As 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 […]

Capital 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 […]

HIGHER 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 […]

Defra 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 […]

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 […]

Quite 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 […]

The update issued by Defra in early August includes important new information on the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 scheme, as well as some much-needed clarification and further detail.  Ceres Rural farming consultant Chloe Timberlake picks out the main points:-  1. New Capital Items  Six new capital items and funding towards two new plans […]

Welcome 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.

The 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 […]