In this episode of the podcast, guest host Neil Pickard talks with Stuart Johnson, Soil Farmer of the Year 2023, and Kyle Richardville from Understanding Ag. They discuss how improving soil health can increase profitability on mixed, arable and upland livestock farms.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Groups of farmers in England can now apply for a grant to improve freshwater habitats. Through the new Water Restoration Fund, local groups can apply for funding to bolster their capacity and capabilities for delivery of on-the-ground projects which improve the water environment. In this post, we'll explain how the fund works.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
We’re offering a one-year extension to more than 5,000 farmers whose Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CS MT) agreements are set to expire on 31 December this year.| Farming
We’re pleased to confirm that over 8,800 applicants have successfully secured funding through this year’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). Grant Funding Agreements (GFAs) have now been sent.| Farming
Last year, money collected from fines on water companies between April 2022 and October 2023 was invested in the £11 million Water Restoration Fund. In this post, we share the list of successful grant applicants and highlight one of the projects.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Alan Laidlaw has been appointed as England’s first Commissioner for the Tenant Farming Sector. In this guest post, he shares his background, his ambitions for the role, and how he plans to work with the sector to strengthen relationships and collaboration between tenant farmers, landlords, and advisers.| Farming
From today, eligible farmers, foresters and land managers who’ve received pre-application advice and completed any necessary preparatory works will be invited, on a rolling basis, to apply for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) online.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
We’re now starting to issue grant funding agreements (GFAs) to successful applicants under the productivity and slurry themes. If your application is successful, you will soon receive an email with your GFA.| Farming
The Farming and Countryside Programme’s annual report is out, highlighting how funding has helped farmers, foresters, and land managers support nature, sustainable food, and innovation. In addition to this, guidance for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier applications is available, with the online service opening next week for invited applicants who have completed pre-application advice.| Farming
In this post, we share how the Farming and Countryside Programme is talking and listening to farmers across the country – and where you can meet us at upcoming events to share your experiences and thoughts first-hand.| Farming
I’m pleased to let you know that 2 new competition rounds will open this autumn through the Farming Innovation Programme (FIP). The competitions offer research groups alongside farmers, growers and foresters the chance to test and develop ideas that could improve productivity, sustainability and resilience in agriculture.| Farming
Landscape Recovery is entering a new phase, with two pioneering projects starting long-term delivery on the ground. They show how farming, nature and rural communities can thrive together, supporting the government’s commitment to a sustainable and resilient farming system in England.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Good design starts with listening, which is why we are encouraging farmers in England to join Defra’s Farming and Countryside user research panel.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
In September, the new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) service will open for applications to those who have been invited to apply, have received pre-application advice and have completed any preparatory work.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
The Capital Grants offer is now open for new applications. This new round will make £150 million of funding available to farmers, land managers and rural businesses for practical environmental improvements across England.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
From today, farmers in England can get a funded vet visit for each of their herds or flocks of the same species. This helps those with multiple groups of cattle, pigs or sheep to access tailored animal health and welfare support across their business.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Following the Spending Review, Defra has secured a multi-year funding commitment from HM Treasury. More than £2.7 billion a year will be invested in sustainable farming and nature recovery from 2026 to 2029. Funding for the Environmental Land Management Schemes paid to farmers will increase by 150% over this time period.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025 (FETF) is now open for applications.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
The UK’s National Action Plan for Pesticides guides farmers towards sustainable pest, weed and disease management through integrated pest management (IPM). By combining techniques like crop rotation, biodiversity, and selective pesticide use, IPM strengthens farm resilience, boosts food production, and helps nature thrive. In this post we share resources and case studies.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
With record numbers of farm businesses in farming schemes and the sustainable farming budget successfully allocated, we will stop accepting new applications for SFI from today. In this post, we set out what it means for you.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
Related content and links| Farming
Today, Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, announced new opportunities to apply for productivity grants in 2025. In this post, we give an overview.| defrafarming.blog.gov.uk
