Recently, we welcomed the Rt Hon Steve Reed’s announcement on 25th February that Defra will shortly reviewing and extending several key schemes and grants. This is great news for many farmers who had applications pending and others for whom such payments could be a lifeline in austere times.
Reopening capital grants
Following the pause at the end of 2024 to this scheme, we are delighted to see that is will be reopening to both new and current applications – albeit now subject to capping. This will be great news to the many farmers whose applications were among the 4,000 put on hold last year. As it supports so many infrastructure and environmental projects, we know many of farming partners will be glad to see its return.
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)
It has also been announced that the government will be increasing the Higher Level Environmental Stewardship agreement payment rates. Applicants will be contacted individually in due course by the RPA.
Other news items
- Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme – the government will be making more money available via the opening of the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier scheme in the summer, or sooner by invitation.
- Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) – funding which was due to end in April this year will be extended and ringfenced until April 2026.
- Farm Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)– releasing a new round of support for 2026. The fund enables farmers to invest in more modern machinery allowing them to keep developing their farming methods.
- Animal Health and Welfare Pathway – the government will reopen the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway following the ‘Animal Health and Welfare Review’. The scheme allows farmers to look at the health of their livestock in more detail. The aim being to keep an increasing number of diseases and conditions out of our food chain.
- Farming Innovation Programme – with £60million available in the programme, farmers who are keen to innovate in areas such as genetic development or net zero can apply for additional finding to support them.
All in all, we feel this announcement was some welcome good news. If you would like further details of the schemes or to discuss the implications they could have for you, then please contact us at www.bcmwilsonhill.co.uk.
Georgina Lorenzen, Associate
