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Blog: Farming
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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Our response to the Farming Profitability Review

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 24 June 2026 - Categories: Farming and Countryside Team
A grassy field bordered by a low stone wall and a wooden gate, with several cows standing near a large leafy tree on the left. Three people walk across the field, with rolling hills and a cloudy sky in the background

Alongside the Farming Roadmap 2050: Growing England’s future, we’ve published our response to the Farming Profitability Review (FPR), an independent review led by farmer and former NFU President, Baroness Minette Batters.

Read more of Our response to the Farming Profitability Review

More time to apply for farming equipment and technology 

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 29 April 2026 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
A direct drill, red in colour situated in farm building with grey floors and walls

You now have until midday on Tuesday 12 May to apply for a grant through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), giving you more time to complete an existing application or start a new one.

Read more of More time to apply for farming equipment and technology 

Equipment and technology funding: deadline reminder

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 14 April 2026 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
A metal lamb feeder with feed bars and wheels sits beside a dirt track, with open grassy fields and a hedgerow in the background.

FETF 2026 offers funding to support investment in equipment and technology across productivity, animal health and welfare, and slurry management. The window to apply closes at midday on 28 April 2026.

Read more of Equipment and technology funding: deadline reminder

An update on FETF grant funding agreements 

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 11 September 2025 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure

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. 

Read more of An update on FETF grant funding agreements 

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This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming Directorate.

We explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.

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2 November ADOPT: Help shape the future of chemical store management.

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30 October Borderway Agri Expo, Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle.

4 November Northern Farming Conference at Hexham Auction Mart, Hexham, Northumberland.

4 November Agri Fest South West at Westpoint, Exeter.

Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.

Helping farmers access water this autumn

The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October. 

We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.

As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment. 

Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.

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.

Storing fertiliser safely

If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.

Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.

Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.

Nutrient Management Planning Tool

Use our free tool to plan and manage your nutrient applications.

Livestock disease guidance

The main livestock diseases affecting farms in England, with links to guidance.

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