Grant Advice

The Farming Transformation Fund Improving Farm Productivity theme is designed to support investment that improves farm and horticulture productivity through use of robotic or autonomous equipment and the installation of slurry acidification equipment. The fund provides up to 40% grant support for eligible costs, with a minimum grant size of £35,000 and the maximum of […]

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Farmers can apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) next year. Defra has confirmed details of the first two soil standards and an annual animal health and welfare review. Charles Garrard explains what you need to know. So what can I expect from SFI? The first SFI standards will be […]

DEFRA 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, […]

New 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 […]

Ceres Rural – Farming Update Welcome to the Ceres Rural Farming Update 2021, a publication that provides independent insights on agricultural issues, reports on policy, grant and administrative updates and key market information. To discuss any of the topics raised, contact one of the Team. Click the link below for the full publication. Ceres Rural […]

DEFRA 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) […]

Countryside 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 […]

DEFRA 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 […]

Countryside 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 […]