Get ready to apply for SFI26
Get ready to apply for SFI26
Initial information on the SFI26 scheme is now live on GOV.UK for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1.
Working together for water: 51 projects receive share of £11 million fund
Posted by:
The Team, Posted on:
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Categories:
Farming across the UK, flood risk and water pollution.
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.
Introducing the Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector
Posted by:
Alan Laidlaw, Posted on:
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Categories:
Guest post, Tenant Farming Sector, Things we're doing
Alan Laidlaw has been appointed as England’s first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector. In this guest post, he shares his background, his ambitions for the role, and how he plans to work with the sector to strengthen relationships and collaboration between tenant farmers, landlords, and advisers.
CSHT opens for applications
Posted by:
The Team, Posted on:
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Categories:
Countryside Stewardship, environmental land management schemes
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.
An update on FETF grant funding agreements
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.
An update on CSHT and our annual report
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.
Talking farming, face to face
In this post, we share how the Farming and Countryside Programme is talking and listening to farmers across the country – and where you can meet us at upcoming events to share your experiences and thoughts first-hand.
Coming soon: Over £12 million to fund farm innovation
I’m pleased to let you know that 2 new competition rounds will open this autumn through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). The competitions offer research groups alongside farmers, growers and foresters the chance to test and develop ideas that could improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
Landscape Recovery: first projects move into delivery phase
Landscape Recovery is entering a new phase, with two pioneering projects starting long-term delivery on the ground. They show how farming, nature and rural communities can thrive together, supporting the government’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient farming system in England.
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.
Cattle farmers: watch our webinar on funding for vet visits
Posted by:
Madeline Hedge, Posted on:
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Categories:
Payments to improve animal health and welfare, Webinars
On Tuesday 19 August, we hosted a webinar specifically for cattle farmers explaining how they can access funding for an Animal Health and Welfare Review and the follow-up vet visit for endemic diseases. In this post, we share an overview of the webinar and a link to watch the recording.
Related content and links
New: Nutrient Management Planning Tool
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
16 May The Hadleigh Show, Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, Ipswich.
17 May Essex Young Farmers Show, Boyton Hall, Roxwell, Chelmsford.
21-23 May Devon County Show, Westpoint Arena, Clyst St Mary, Exeter.
23 May Heathfield Show, Tottingworth Farm, Broad Oak, Heathfield.
23 May Northumberland County Show, Bywell,
Near Stocksfield, Northumberland.
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.
