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Blog: Farming
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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 2 July 2026 - Categories: Countryside Stewardship
Sheep grazing on species-rich grassland in a gently sloping pasture, with mixed grasses and wild plants in the foreground, trees along the field edge, and rolling countryside in the background.

This post outlines our plans to expand CSHT to more farmers and land managers in England.

Read more of Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier - 2 comments

Farmer Collaboration Fund: webinar for potential delivery partners

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 12 May 2026 - Categories: Farming and Countryside Team

On 19 May, we’re hosting a webinar for those interested in becoming delivery partners for the Farmer Collaboration Fund.

Read more of Farmer Collaboration Fund: webinar for potential delivery partners - 2 comments

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

ADOPT Fund: upcoming application deadlines

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 27 March 2026 - Categories: Payments for research and innovation
A high, wide-angle view of a farmyard with several brick and metal-roofed buildings surrounded by green fields. In the center of the yard, a green tractor is attached to a large red and yellow agricultural implement. A group of people stands gathered around the machinery, appearing to observe or take part in a demonstration. Some structures have solar panels on their roofs, and the weather is bright with scattered clouds.

If you’re considering applying for support through the latest rounds of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund, this is a reminder that application deadlines are approaching.

Read more of ADOPT Fund: upcoming application deadlines

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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

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Groceries Code Adjudicator Annual Conference

The Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) annual conference takes place on Tuesday 29 September.

The event will bring together suppliers, retailers and industry representatives. It will reflect on the GCA’s work to ensure fair treatment of suppliers and the support available to them, including how they can raise issues in confidence.

Register to attend

Preparing your business for the UK-EU SPS agreement

Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.

SPS agreement: preparing your business – GOV.UK

Agricultural property relief

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

Talk to us

Meet the team in 2026.

27 August Holsworthy and Stratton Show at The Showground, Rydon, Holsworthy.
29 August Wensleydale Show on Richmond Rd, Leyburn.

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.

Join a webinar

Join upcoming webinars and watch past recordings.

Livestock disease guidance

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

Nutrient Management Planning Tool

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

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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