DEFRA have today released outline guidance for the new Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) scheme, alongside confirmation that applications for the first window will open in June 2026. Whilst the full scheme guidance is still to come, this publication gives us a much clearer picture of how the new scheme will operate and confirms a number of significant changes from previous SFI rounds. Two application windows confirmed As previously indicated, SFI26 will operate with two separate...

DEFRA have today announced an extension to the deadline for the FETF grant. The grants had closed for application yesterday (28th April), but an extension has now been granted through to 12th May at midday. This fund provides grant support for farmers investing in equipment to improve productivity, slurry management and animal health and welfare and is broadly similar to the previous rounds of the FETF scheme, with some small changes. This is the last time this scheme will be available...

Countryside Stewardship Annual Claims Now Available If you have a Countryside Stewardship agreement, the annual claim window has now opened, and will close at 11.59pm on 15th May 2026. If we complete your annual claim for you, rest assured we will starting working through our checks on your annual claim and we will be in touch to confirm everything before submitting. Its important to ensure that the land use recorded with Rural Payments is up to date before submitting the claim form, so...