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Blog: Farming
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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Our commitment to environmental protections

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 27 September 2022 - Categories: environmental land management schemes, Farming and Countryside Team
Cullompton Hill

Following recent media speculation on the future of farming policy in England, we know that you may have some questions about our work. We’ve published a post on Defra's media blog which sets out our response and position.

Read more of Our commitment to environmental protections - 13 comments

The Future Farming and Countryside Programme

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 23 June 2021 - Categories: Farming and Countryside Team

Farming is going through the biggest change in a generation. Government's approach to working with the sector is changing too. Click on the link below for an overview of the programme, our schemes and delivery timeline.

Read more of The Future Farming and Countryside Programme - 11 comments
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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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15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.

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

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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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