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.
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Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.

Join two free evening webinars:
17 November at 7pm PA4 Agroforestry plans explained.
19 November at 12pm Farming Advice Service (FAS): AI in Agriculture.
25 November at 7pm Tenant Farmers Association (TFA): one year with Alan Laidlaw.
You can also watch previous recordings on our webinars page.

11 November Herefordshire Rural Business Hub at Skylon Park in Hereford.
12 November Nature Finance Conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.
13 November ASAO Conference at the South of England Showground, in Haywards Heath.
Check out the list of other shows and events we’re attending.

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.

The Farm Business Survey (FBS) gives farmers free, confidential insights into their business, helping them understand performance and see how their farm compares with similar businesses.
By taking part, farmers also help build a better picture of farming in England.

If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump, check out the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The scheme helps property owners switch from fossil fuel heating to a cleaner heating system by providing money towards the upfront cost. Households are able to access the scheme and it isn’t means-tested.
You can get a £7,500 grant towards the cost and installation of an air or ground source heat pump. If your home is heated by oil or LPG, you could receive £9,000 towards a heat pump.
Find out more about getting a heat pump on the government’s Clean Energy website.