Extension offer for 2021 Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements
We’re offering a one-year extension to more than 5,000 farmers whose Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) agreements are set to expire on 31 December this year.
We're working with farms to improve the way we regulate and support farming and the environment.
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We’re offering a one-year extension to more than 5,000 farmers whose Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) agreements are set to expire on 31 December this year.
We’re pleased to confirm that over 8,800 applicants have successfully secured funding through this year’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). Grant Funding Agreements (GFAs) have now been sent.
Last year, money collected from fines on water companies between April 2022 and October 2023 was invested in the £11 million Water Restoration Fund. In this post, we share the list of successful grant applicants and highlight one of the projects.
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 September, the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) service will open for applications to those who have been invited to apply, have received pre-application advice and have completed any preparatory work.
If you're thinking about investing in new kit, there’s still time to apply for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025. Applications are open now and will close at midday on 10 July.
Following the Spending Review, Defra has secured a multi-year funding commitment from HM Treasury. More than £2.7 billion a year will be invested in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026 to 2029. Funding for the Environmental Land Management Schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% over this time period.
We've launched a call for evidence to better understand how we can support and incentivise business to invest in nature recovery.
This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Programme (FCP).
On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.
We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved.

Say hello to the team in November.
5 November Northern Farming Conference, Hexham, Northumberland
5 November Herefordshire Rural Business Hub, Hereford, Herefordshire
5 November AgriFest South West, Westpoint, Exeter
7-8 November ASAO Conference, Harrogate, North Yorkshire
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.