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 for the Higher Tier Countryside[…]
SFI Soil Plan & Nutrient Review
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. It is worth having a[…]
Defra u-turns on SFI scheme closure after NFU legal pressure !!
Farmers have faced an uncertain future following Defra’s sudden closure of the SFI scheme in March but see recent announcement below Read the full article on Defra u-turns on SFI scheme closure after NFU legal pressure – FarmingUK News
FETF Farming Update – 7th May 2025
Up to £25,000 in farm equipment and technology grants opening this month
Pond Creation & Restoration Grant – Cheshire Wildlife Trust
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is awarding grants for the restoration and creation of ponds in Cheshire East under Natural England’s District Level Licensing scheme for Great Crested Newts. Eligible ponds must fall within the project target areas because newts are expected to colonise the ponds naturally from existing populations. The scheme is capped at a maximum[…]
IMPORTANT NEWS !!
An update on the Sustainable Farming Incentive !! Many of you will now have heard the very disappointing and unexpected news that the SFI was closed last night. A new post has just been published on the Farming blog explain the current situation. Read the new post: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2025/03/11/an-update-on-the-sustainable-farming-incentive/ Be assured that current schemes will continue to[…]
UPDATE – 6 days in and the Elm Associates Team are still cycling !!
800km Coast to Coast across India – see the progress of Jane, Nicky & Rachel A big THANK YOU to all of you who have already contributed !!! We still have a fair few miles, numerous more challenges and lots of memories to make but most importantly a few more days to raise the awareness[…]
INDIA COAST TO COAST CYCLE CHALLENGE
Next week, the ELM Associates team will set off on an epic India Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge, in aid of the AMMF cancer charity. We’ll be pedalling over 975km from Chennai on the east coast, over the mountains to Kochi on the west coast, over 10 non-stop days. We wanted to do something special[…]
SFI Update and Top Tips for applications
SFI Update and Top Tips for applications The 2024 expanded SFI Offer is now fully up and running. The expression of interest process and additional post submission checks have been removed and generally agreements are offered within a few weeks with a start date of the following month, unless any additional information such as SSSI[…]
CS Capital Grant Update
Last week the RPA announced the temporary closure of the CS capital grant scheme whilst a spending review is undertaken. Over the last few months both the volume and value of capital applications has increased dramatically and is impacting upon the funding available. What this means for you: