Farm Grants & Government Schemes
Our farming grants consultants, based in Devon, are knowledgeable on all aspects of the newest farm grants and government funding schemes available to farming and agricultural businesses across the country. As well as businesses in Devon and Somerset, we have extensive experience of providing advice and guidance to a wide variety of rural industries in the UK and abroad.
These new farm grants and schemes, including the Countryside Stewardship Scheme, are designed to support farms in adopting regenerative practices that help restore the environment, as well as reducing expenditure.
We can take you step by step through application processes according to what you need.
See below for more information on how your business can benefit from these grants for farmers.
Since leaving the EU, the UK now has its own agricultural policy. The existing Basic Payment Scheme will be removed progressively by 2027. The new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) will replace this, paying farmers for public goods such as water quality, air quality and environmental improvements. In 2020 DEFRA said that total funding for UK agriculture would be maintained at the same level until the end of this Parliament, but it could not guarantee this after that. The money taken from the BPS would be moved to other schemes. Current farm grants are set out below:
The UK government established the Countryside Stewardship Scheme to protect the natural environment, by offering farmers and landowners a financial incentive. This will improve aspects including protection and rebuilding of wildlife habitats, the creation of new woodlands, reduction of land and water pollution, and preservation of the natural landscape, with its existing historical features.
This well-established scheme is not a popular as expected. However, in the right circumstances it works well. There are four elements:
- Higher Tier – generally you have to be invited to submit
- Mid Tier – A range of over 200 options for including up to £ 120,000 capital grants
- Wildlife Offer – A simplified Mid Tier with fewer options and no capital
- Mid Tier Capital – Can be standalone used alongside Wildlife Offer up to £ 60,000
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which will support approaches to farm husbandry that deliver for the environment, such as actions to improve soil health, hedgerows and integrated pest management.
Local Nature Recovery, which will pay for actions such as creating, managing or restoring habitats, natural flood management and species management.
Landscape Recovery, which will focus on landscape and ecosystem recovery through projects looking to achieve large-scale forest and woodland creation, peatland restoration, or the creation and restoration of coastal habitats, such as wetlands and salt marsh.
At present ELMS is being piloted. The SFI is being piloted this year, but uptake was less than DEFRA hoped. Click for more details of how our consultants can help you.
The Farming Investment Fund (FIF) provides farming grants to improve the productivity of farms and bring environmental benefits.
FIF is made up of 2 separate funds:
- Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (for farming grants between £2,000 and £25,000) Currently open closes on January 7, 2021. This smaller grant will be offered with the aim of boosting the performance of businesses. It gives farmers access to equipment that can increase productivity and reduce costs.
- Farming Transformation Fund (for farm grants between £35,000 and £500,000) This will aid the largest investments. These grants could be used for projects involving reservoirs and sustainable water storage, more environmentally friendly agricultural equipment, and robotic technology.
To be introduced in Autumn 2022. Details are not yet available.
Contact our Devon-based team of farming grants consultants to find out how we can help you access the above grants and schemes. We can arrange an initial consultation to discuss the needs of your business, and possible ways we could help you.
To get in touch with one of our farming grants consultants, complete the contact form here, email us, or call us.
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund supports farmers with the purchase of equipment, technology, and infrastructure that is designed to improve agricultural, horticultural and forestry productivity in a sustainable way.
Looking for expert consultancy when it comes to applying for any specific grants for farmers? Our teams will provide you with expert advice and take you through step by step application processes, ensuring you’re putting your best foot forward when it comes to applying for any grants for farmers.
- 07464 669037
- ajs@esusagri.co.uk.
- ESUS Agri Ltd East Knowstone South Molton EX36 4DZ United Kingdom