Working together for sustainable farming
Starting January 2026 the application window will open in March and close on 15th May, in line with the current SAF period. From 2026 you will have the choice to enter the SFS which will be the main support available to farmers or claim the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS). BPS payments will be reduced[…]
Following the prolonged summer drought, water usage has become a key concern for many farms. If your supply is through United Utilities and you’d like to review consumption and explore cost-saving measures, the company is offering free water audits for farms in Cheshire. To check eligibility or arrange an audit,[…]
Now is a good time to prepare for a future capital grant application if you have projects that you believe may be eligible for funding. Recent grant rounds have been open for short windows, and it is likely that a high volume of applications will arise in future rounds. Therefore,[…]
Biodiversity Net Gain continues to be a defining principle within the UK planning policy, with all planning applications requiring a 10% net gain in biodiversity value, this includes development projects such as new slurry lagoons, silage clamps and livestock sheds. This typically means protecting existing habitats, creating new ones, and[…]
Anyone who has a Mid-Tier agreement expiring on 31st December 2025 should have received an email or letter from the RPA offering a 12 month extension. You must reply by 23:59 on 27 November 2025 to except this extension, you won’t be able to extend your agreement after this date.[…]
Sustainable Farm Incentive The SFI is now closed for new applications. A new iteration is expected Summer 2026 Current agreements will run their course, and you should continue to fill in your annual declarations and Rotational Actions Form (ROF) which will release the final quarterly payment of the year. The[…]
The application window is open for 6 weeks from today (29 May) and will close at midday on 10 July 2025. The fund is part of the Farming Investment Fund. It helps farmers, growers, foresters and contractors invest in equipment and technology that improve productivity, manage slurry, and support animal health[…]
Natural Flood Management Offer – Trees for Climate We are thrilled to announce that the Trees for Climate scheme with the Mersey Forest is once again open for planting in the 2025-26 season for those in Cheshire. This local initiative aims to support farmers and landowners in creating woodland, orchards and low density planting on their farm . One of the[…]
Opening Summer 2025 The CSHT scheme is due to open in summer 2025 but details of options and payment rates are now available. This scheme supports a wide variety of high-priority environmental improvements, including the preservation of valuable habitats, the enhancement of woodlands, and the mitigation of flood risks. Applicants[…]
If you have a Sustainable Farming Incentive agreement, it is very likely that you will have signed up for the Soil Plan and Nutrient Review options. These will be on your agreement as SAM1 or NUM1 if you have a 2023 scheme, or CSAM1 or CNUM1 in the 2024 scheme.[…]
