The Team

We're working with farms to improve the way we regulate and support farming and the environment.

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An update on CSHT and our annual report  

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Countryside Stewardship, Farming and Countryside Programme

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.

Spending Review 2025: a commitment to farming 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Farming across the UK
Steve Reed, Environment Secretary, stands outdoors at a livestock show talking with two men. He is in the centre, wearing a brown jacket and light blue shirt, listening. On his left, an older man in a dark coat and black bowler hat gestures while speaking. On his right, a suited man with a red and blue striped tie looks down thoughtfully. Cattle and people are visible in the background.

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.

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025: guidance now available

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure, Webinars
A herd of cattle resting and grazing in a green field in the Lake District, with patchwork farmland, trees, and dramatic hills and mountains in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) opens for applications on 29 May, offering grants of up to £25,000 to help cut costs and boost efficiency on your farm. To help you prepare, we’ve published guidance on GOV.UK. In this post, we’ll give an overview of what the grant offers and how to apply.