Basic Payment Scheme: changes and reductions
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) is due to be phased out progressively by 2028, meaning farmers and landowners are going to be receiving less money as a grant each year until then.
New grants – and good news about the Annual Investment Allowance
Good news for farmers, the agricultural sector and rural businesses thanks to changes to the Annual Investment Allowance – plus the introduction of a new Local Restrictions Support Grant to help those affected by the most recent Covid restrictions.
New carbon reduction grants for businesses and communities in Somerset
Grants between £500 and £1,000 are being made available to businesses by the five councils in Somerset as part of the Somerset Climate Emergency Strategy. And communities in the county are being invited to bid for grants of up to £75,000 to assist with carbon reduction projects.
Countryside Stewardship Scheme Now Open
The application window for Countryside Stewardship opened on Tuesday 11th February 2020 for farmers and landowners. Defra minister has encouraged farmers to use Countryside Stewardship as a steppingstone to the new Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS).
Countryside Productivity Small Grants Scheme
The RDPE Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme provides grants for farmers ranging from £3,000 to £12,000 to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm.
BPS 2018 Payments Exchange Rate
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed the exchange rate for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2018 payments made in sterling.
DEFRA opens £40 million fund to boost farm productivity
The government has announced a £40 million boost to fund the next stage of the Country Productivity Scheme, allowing farmers in England to apply for funding to improve farm productivity.
Hedgerows and boundaries grants for 2017
In February, the government published the 2017 version of their 'Countryside Stewardship: Hedgerows and Boundaries Grant Manual'.
Woodland creation grant open for applications
Applications for the government's Country Stewardship woodland creation grant are now being accepted – but be quick as they must be submitted by 31 March 2016.