Alan Laidlaw has been appointed as England’s first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector. In this guest post, he shares his background, his ambitions for the role, and how he plans to work with the sector to strengthen relationships and collaboration between tenant farmers, landlords, and advisers.
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.
Say hello to the team this October.
11 October Alwinton Show, Alwinton, Northumberland
29 October Norfolk Landscapes Conference & Exhibition, Norfolk, Norwich
31 October Borderway Agri Expo, Rosehill, Carlisle
You can find us at these agricultural shows and conferences in 2025 and 2026.
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.
