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Know How / Environmental schemes

Each of the UK’s devolved administrations has its own agri-environment scheme – for example, the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in England and the Agri-environment Climate Scheme in Scotland.

Find out what’s involved in signing up to a ‘green scheme’ and get practical tips on putting together your application.

Advice and tips

ARABLE

Tips on achieving healthy hedgerows on farm

Hedges are a defining feature of our countryside and one of the best habitats for wildlife on any farm.  Far more than being a boundary, they also support farm business…

ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES

Nutrient mitigation market merits careful consideration

Headlines about housebuilding being held up by environmental measures have abated to some extent, but the need to ensure that new development does not increase the nitrogen and phosphate loading…

ARABLE

How SFI grassy corners and blocks can work most effectively

Grassy corners and blocks are perhaps potentially one of simplest of all the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options to implement, but, as ever, to deliver the maximum benefit for the…

CROP MANAGEMENT

Making the most from pollen and nectar mixes in SFI

Only about 5% of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreements in the 2023 scheme have opted for pollen and nectar flower mixes (AHL1). This makes it one of the least popular…

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Case studies

ARABLE

No-till provides zero cost way into support scheme

Kent grower Richard Day is set to use his adoption of direct drilling and precision fertiliser techniques under new environment schemes to gain more than 40% of his old direct…

NEWS

FW Awards: Environmental Champion of the Year 2024

David and Helen Brass of The Lakes Free Range Egg Co, Cumbria are the Farmers Weekly Environmental Champion of the Year 2024 winners. Environmental delivery is a concept that has…

ARABLE

How a sustainability scoring system is helping Kent farm

Knowing how the farm is performing across six different environmental impact areas is important for Kent grower Alan Clifton-Holt, who wants to make the most of any new market opportunities…

ROTATIONS

How arable estate gets the best out of stewardship schemes

Agri-environment schemes have already provided resilience and risk management at Buckminster Farms, a large-scale farming business on the Leicestershire/Lincolnshire border. The challenge ahead is to integrate elements of the Sustainable…

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Insights

MARKETS AND TRENDS

Private nature funding opportunities for farmers

Private investment funds have repeatedly claimed that billions of pounds are available to be invested in nature. However, so far, little has actually found its way into farmers’ pockets. One…

PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS

SFI 2024 update: All you need to know

Starting your Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) journey is becoming an increasingly urgent task for farm businesses looking to increase resilience and improve cashflow. SFI has been through multiple revisions since…

SOILS

New reports reveal arable's impact on the environment

Two new reports are being said to provide a clear roadmap for improving soil health, reducing carbon emissions and supporting biodiversity, while also enabling farm businesses to continue operating profitably.…

PARTNERSHIPS

Joining forces brings environment rewards for farmer groups

Neighbouring or like-minded farmers working together to protect nature and deliver for the environment are achieving more through their collective actions.  From community interest companies and cluster groups, to farmer…

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News

PAYMENTS, SCHEMES AND GRANTS

Defra scraps EOI requirement for the SFI scheme

Defra has scrapped the expression of interest (EOI) requirement for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, meaning farmers in England can now apply directly online for the expanded 2024 SFI…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Welsh government releases £14m for SFS preparatory schemes

Funding worth £14m is on offer for farming and horticulture in Wales, as the Welsh government seeks to bridge financial support gaps ahead of the rollout of the new Sustainable…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Farmers frustrated by slow rollout of 2024 SFI scheme

Farmers in England are growing increasingly frustrated by delays in the rollout of the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme. Many who have had their Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 applications…

AGRICULTURAL TRANSITION

Welsh government issues update on SFS progress

The Welsh government has provided an update on progress towards a new farm support scheme for farmers, including ongoing discussions with stakeholders to find an alternative the plans for 10%…

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