The Transition Plan – the future of agriculture in England

The Transitional Plan, announced on Monday,  formally moves the agricultural responsibilities from the EU Commission to Defra. This is the first piece of post Brexit legislation. This policy will be shaped by decisions made in Whitehall and will no longer need to be negotiated with 27 member states. For example, a more proportionate approach to […]

Posted on December 2nd, 2020 by

Wildlife Offer Countryside Stewardship – all you need to know

Wildlife Offer Countryside Stewardship agreements provide a simplified scheme option for farmers with a set list of options under each Wildlife Offer type and provided the minimum requirements are met then an agreement will be offered. The aim of Wildlife Offer’s is as the name suggests, to support wildlife by providing sources of nectar and […]

Posted on June 9th, 2020 by

Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship – all you need to know

Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship is very similar to the old style ELS schemes. It is designed to provide environmental benefits at an on-farm level with a range of options that can suit most farming systems. What do Mid-Tier Stewardship schemes fund? Grant funding is available for land management practices which protect and enhance the natural environment, […]

Posted on June 8th, 2020 by

***Important Announcement – Crop Diversification Rule for BPS 2020***

In order to assist farmers who are struggling to establish crops, DEFRA has confirmed today that the crop diversification greening requirement for BPS, commonly known as the “three crop rule” will not apply for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) 2020 applications.   Due to the nationwide catastrophic flooding and persistent wet weather throughout February 2020, farmers […]

Posted on March 20th, 2020 by

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME?

In this blog Mike Cluley gives a very brief summary of the main points of the new Agricultural Bill that is passing through parliament so that consideration can be given as to what businesses should expect and the things that they should consider with the likely changes to future farm payments. Agricultural policy in the […]

Posted on March 4th, 2020 by

BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME 2020 AND CROP DIVERSIFICATION UPDATE

Despite the persistent inclement weather, spring is “technically” here and the BPS season is only just around the corner. Mike Cluley takes a quick look at the Basic Payment Scheme 2020 with a particular focus on what the options are to comply with the Crop Diversification rules under Greening given the consistent wet weather which […]

Posted on March 4th, 2020 by

Countryside Stewardship Scheme Now Open!

The application window for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme (CSS) is now open. Successful agreements applied for this year will start in January 2021. With the impending payment reductions and phasing out of BPS from 2021 onwards, entering into the CSS may be a good option to assist with getting ready for the new world of […]

Posted on February 12th, 2020 by

Exceptional weather allows for agreement adjustments

With the unusually hot and dry weather conditions, Natural England and the Rural Payments Agency have made adjustments to some options for those farmers who have experienced difficulties. These include issues with failed establishments for Wild Bird Food Plots, Catch Crops and the capacity to allow grazing where there may be a fodder shortage. The […]

Posted on September 18th, 2018 by

What do we know about farm subsidies post Brexit?

The Agriculture Bill was published last week and now gives a clear idea of what the post Brexit policy will be in regards to the future subsidy regime and environmental schemes. In summary the Basic Payment will be phased out completely by 2028 and will be subject to reductions in payments in the interim periods. […]

Posted on September 17th, 2018 by

Living without Europe and Subsidies

Preparing for Brexit and the loss of the Basic Payment Scheme is causing businesses to rethink the way they have been operating. Many are focusing on finding efficiencies, diversifying into new areas or restructuring the businesses. So what are the opportunities for your business? Business Planning and Succession Having a five-year business plan of how […]

Posted on June 15th, 2018 by