Introducing the new nutrient management planning tool on GOV.UK
Managing nutrients effectively is one of the most important jobs a farmer does. To make this easier, we’ve launched a new tool on GOV.UK.
Farming and Countryside Programme
OFC 2026: clarity, partnership and growth
Today at the Oxford Farming Conference, the Environment Secretary made a series of announcements to support farmers in England, with a focus on clarity, partnership and growth.
Law changes strengthen protection for livestock
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent today, strengthening legal protections for farmers against livestock worrying.
Farming Profitability Review: recommendations published
The Farming Profitability Review 2025, an independent review led by Baroness Minette Batters, has been published.
Talking farming in 2026
Posted by:
Alice Brown, Posted on:
-
Categories:
Conversations we're having, Farming and Countryside Programme
Over the past year, I’ve been out and about with my team talking to farmers and others across the farming sector — from agents and agronomists to academics and advisers. To help us plan for 2026, we welcome your suggestions on where we should visit.
An update on CSHT and our annual report
Posted by:
The Team, 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.
Join our user research panel
Good design starts with listening, which is why we are encouraging farmers in England to join Defra’s Farming and Countryside user research panel.
Capital Grants offer now closed for new applications
This is a short post to let you know that we’ve now fully allocated all available funding for the 2025 round of Capital Grants. The next round of funding will be available in 2026.
Update on the farming budget
In this post, we summarise the government's £5 billion investment in farming. We outline how the funding is allocated across the Farming and Countryside Programme. We also highlight recent updates and future plans.
An update on Capital Grants
Posted by:
Sarah Blatchford, Posted on:
-
Categories:
Farming and Countryside Programme, Grants, Things we're doing
Following the temporary closure of the Capital Grants scheme in November 2024, we’re pleased to share that we’ve secured sufficient funding for Capital Grants for 2025/26. This means we can now process the 4,040 completed Capital Grants applications that were on hold.
Related content and links
New: Nutrient Management Planning Tool
Use our free tool to plan and manage your nutrient applications.
Agricultural property relief
From 6 April 2026, full inheritance tax relief will apply to the first £2.5 million of qualifying agricultural and business assets, with lower relief applying to any value above this. Learn more
Talk to us
10 February Norfolk Farming Conference at Norfolk Showground and Events Centre in Norwich.
12 February Lincolnshire Farming Conference at Lincolnshire Showground in Lincoln.
Livestock disease guidance
Get advice
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.
