The Team

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

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Our approach to Farming Recovery payments

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Flooding support
A flooded field. Half the photograph shows the flooded field with the reflection of the sky mirrored in it. Green fields and bare trees are in the background.

To support farmers affected by Storms Babet, Henk and severe wet weather, we’re providing a one-off Recovery Payment to help cover the uninsured costs of restoring farmland. Payments will range from £2,895 to £25,000, based on the level of damage. Following our announcement this summer, we’re now able to confirm how farmers were selected for this support.

An update on SFI and our agri-environment schemes 

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: environmental land management schemes, Sustainable Farming Incentive
Combine Harvester at work in Bradfield St George with farmer in foreground

It's been a while since our last post. We’re glad to be back! Over the past month, we've been welcoming Defra's new ministerial team, who are fully committed to environmental land management schemes. We've been working with them to optimise our schemes and grants for farmers, food security and nature recovery. In this post, we’ll update you on the SFI rollout, provide links to new supplementary scheme guidance and share details on endorsed actions and capital items.

Further funding to tackle endemic diseases

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Payments to support animal health and welfare
A farmer and a vet in discussion lean on the railings of a pen.

By reducing the levels of endemic disease in livestock, we can increase productivity, support businesses and unlock wider benefits too — from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slowing antimicrobial resistance. The very nature of endemic disease means it is an ongoing concern. Managing it requires the sustained effort of livestock keepers, the support of vets and money. In recognition of this, we are offering additional financial support.

Introducing Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare grants

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Grants, Payments to improve animal health and welfare
Chickens

Next month, a new grant for hen housing will be available to laying hen and pullet farmers in England with flocks of 1,000 birds or more. We've just published the guidance for the grant on GOV.UK. In this post we’ll share an overview of the grant and a link to the guidance.

Wet weather and temporary adjustments to agri-environment agreements

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Countryside Stewardship, Environmental Stewardship, Sustainable Farming Incentive, Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot, Things we're doing

Heavy rainfall has a devastating and long-term impact on farming. This disruption not only affects livelihoods but also has wider implications for food security and the economy too. We're introducing temporary adjustments and easements within the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), the SFI Pilot, Countryside Stewardship (CS) and Environmental Stewardship (ES) to support farmers and land managers dealing with the impacts of severe weather in England.