GRANT ADVICE ARTICLES
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Chloe Timberlake
Aug, 09 2024The 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 […]
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 […]
Toby Eve
Mar, 01 2024On 20th February 2024, Defra announced further details on the 2024 Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). With the application window due to open shortly, further information regarding the items due to be funded has been released. This will not be the first time that the FETF has been available, and many features of the grant […]
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 […]
Christopher Monk
Jan, 11 2024 Day one of the conference, Senior Consultant Christopher Monk attended and saw Steve Barclay (the new Secretary of State) announce an unexpected increase in Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) / Countryside Stewardship (CS) payments of 10%, which will apply to both existing and new agreements. He also announced a number of new premium actions/options and confirmed […]
Beth Speakman
Dec, 04 2023 Defra Clarifies Future of ELMs and Opens New SFI Round Defra has provided much-needed clarity on the future of Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs) and agri-environmental funding. At the same time, another round of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) has opened for applications. This round includes several easy wins for farmers, such as funding for […]