Capital Grants help farmers, land managers and rural businesses make practical improvements that benefit the environment across England. The offer is set to open in late July 2026. We're encouraging those who wish to apply to gather and submit the required evidence as early as possible.
In this video, Gloucestershire Farmer Edward Earnshaw explains how Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) actions are helping his small family farm streamline management, cut input costs, and boost profitability while delivering environmental benefits.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle has confirmed a £240 million budget for new Sustainable Farming Incentive agreements. In this post, we explain how the funding will be allocated, what it means for Window 1 and Window 2 applicants, and where you can find information to help you prepare for the scheme opening later this month.
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.
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.
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.
The Capital Grants offer is now open for new applications. This new round will make £150 million of funding available to farmers, land managers and rural businesses for practical environmental improvements across England.
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.
To bring HLS payment rates closer to those offered under CSHT and SFI, we’re investing £30 million to increase payments for most HLS options. The rates are now on GOV.UK.
To better reflect the contributions made by those with HLS agreements and to support the continued protection and management of these sites, we’re increasing HLS payment rates. We’re also encouraging those considering applying for a CSHT agreement to familiarise themselves with the process to prepare.
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
From 6 April 2026, qualifying agricultural and business assets will continue to receive full inheritance tax relief up to a combined value of £2.5 million. Lower relief rates will apply to assets above this amount. Learn more
1-2 July Groundswell at Lannock Farm in Hertfordshire.
11 July Tendring Show at Lawford House Park, Nr Manningtree, Essex.
11 July Liskeard Show at The Showground, Merrymeet, nr Liskeard.
13 July Stithians Show at The Showground, Stithians, Truro, Cornwall.
14-17 July Great Yorkshire Show at the Great Yorkshire Showground, Railway Road, Harrogate.
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.
Innovate UK Business Connect invites you to join its new directory and connect with public sector buyers.
