Defra funding for Lincolnshire farmers update

Tue 28 Jan 2025

·       SFI 2024 expanded offers continue to be processed and accepted. Defra has announced there will be some more endorsed actions coming out in the summer of 2025.

·       SFI 2023 annual declaration and rotational option declarations are being processed ahead of the Q4 payments. This is the point to acknowledge any changes in location or areas. Ensure you have the correct evidence filed in case of any future inspections.

·       Capital Grants, as most will be aware this was closed over night to most new applications end of last year. Agreements already signed will be met. Existing applicants who have submitted the application should expect to receive an update early this year. They are currently not accepting any new applications.

·       Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier. If your agri-environment agreement is expiring you may have received or expect to receive a mirror agreement letter from the RPA with the same duration of 5 or 10 years.

·       New Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier is being launched this year including 99 revenue based actions and 33 supplemental actions. Initially this scheme will roll out in a controlled way by invitation. Natural England or the Forestry Commission will be providing the pre-application advice. More details should be released in February on how other farmers can apply. 

·       High Level Stewardship agreements due to expire will be reviewed by Natural England and will be offered either a one or two year extension recommended on a case by case basis.

·       Farming in Protected Landscape (FiPL) program is in its final year of delivering project funding which will end in March 2025. This gives time for only small scale capital works or equipment that can be completed, make claims to access the agreed funding and be paid before the end of the financial year.

·       Trees as always are a hot topic, if you are interested in planting trees in the form of a shelter belt, woodland, agroforestry or hedgerow there is still funding accessible.

I am aware that it is a challenging and uncertain time for agriculture. If you would like to have a FREE half hour telephone consultation around what options could benefit your business please give me a ring on 07930 592030, email me [email protected] or see me at Louth Livestock Market. I will also be available on Mondays from 1pm in the Masons Rural Office starting on Monday 3rd February 2025.