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Apply now for a water screening study 

Posted by: The Environment Agency, Posted on: 26 May 2026 - Categories: Guest post, Water
Wide landscape view of a green marshland with tall grasses and patches of reeds in the foreground, leading to a calm, narrow stretch of water in the middle distance. A low tree line sits along the horizon, and above it a large, partly cloudy sky shows a mix of soft grey clouds and blue patches with warm light near the horizon.

Farmers in England can apply for a Local Resource Option (LRO) screening study. These studies help groups of farmers explore practical ways to secure reliable water supplies and improve long-term resilience. In this post, we explain how the studies work, what they can help farmers achieve, and how to apply.

Read more of Apply now for a water screening study 

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026: guidance now available 

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 24 February 2026 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
A cylindrical silage pusher with a green top sits on the left side of a covered barn walkway. Several black‑and‑white cows stand behind a metal railing on the right, eating from a long line of feed on the ground. The scene is inside an open‑sided livestock shelter with green support beams and concrete flooring.

Applications for the next round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF 2026) open on 17 March. The guidance is now live, and we’re hosting a webinar to help you prepare.

Read more of Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026: guidance now available  - 13 comments

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About us

This blog is managed by Defra’s Farming and Countryside Team.

On this blog, we explain the reforms to agricultural policy in England.

We share what we’re working on, what we’re learning and how you can get involved. Find out more

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

Meet the team in 2026. 

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.

Webinars

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Attend upcoming webinars and watch recordings.

Consultations and surveys: have your say

Animal Health and Welfare Pathway mandatory proposals: consultation

UK fertilisers regulatory reform: call for evidence

Permitted development rights for onshore wind turbines in England: consultation

Livestock disease guidance

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

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Learn more about the decision-making, executive and managerial bodies for Defra.

Are you a net zero supplier?

Innovate UK Business Connect invites you to join its new directory and connect with public sector buyers. Apply to join the directory. 

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