From today, eligible farmers, foresters and land managers who’ve received pre-application advice and completed any necessary preparatory works will be invited, on a rolling basis, to apply for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) online.
We’re now starting to issue grant funding agreements (GFAs) to successful applicants under the productivity and slurry themes. If your application is successful, you will soon receive an email with your GFA.
The Farming and Countryside Programme’s annual report is out, highlighting how funding has helped farmers, foresters, and land managers support nature, sustainable food, and innovation. In addition to this, guidance for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications is available, with the online service opening next week for invited applicants who have completed pre-application advice.
In this post, we share how the Farming and Countryside Programme is talking and listening to farmers across the country – and where you can meet us at upcoming events to share your experiences and thoughts first-hand.
I’m pleased to let you know that 2 new competition rounds will open this autumn through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). The competitions offer research groups alongside farmers, growers and foresters the chance to test and develop ideas that could improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Landscape Recovery is entering a new phase, with two pioneering projects starting long-term delivery on the ground. They show how farming, nature and rural communities can thrive together, supporting the government’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient farming system in England.
Good design starts with listening, which is why we are encouraging farmers in England to join Defra’s Farming and Countryside user research panel.
On Tuesday 19 August, we hosted a webinar specifically for cattle farmers explaining how they can access funding for an Animal Health and Welfare Review and the follow-up vet visit for endemic diseases. In this post, we share an overview of the webinar and a link to watch the recording.
The Fair Dealing Obligations (Pigs) Regulations 2025 (FDOP2025) will come into force from 13 August. FDOP2025 is designed to make contracts fairer and more transparent across the pig industry. In this guest post, Richard Thompson, the Agricultural Supply Chain Adjudicator (ASCA) shares an overview.
This is a short post to let you know that we’ve now fully allocated all available funding for the 2025 round of Capital Grants. The next round of funding will be available in 2026.
Say hello to the team this month.
20 September The Collingham Show, Collingham, Nottinghamshire
20-21 September Newbury Show, Thatcham, Berkshire
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025.
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
