Agriculture

RPA Autumn Newsletter

RPA Autumn Newsletter

The RPA have launched their autumn newsletter covering updates on the following topics:

  • Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)

  • Countryside Stewardship (CSS)

  • Environmental Stewardship Agreements

  • Retirement Scheme for Farmers - Lump Sum Exit Scheme

  • England Woodland Creation Offer

  • Cross Compliance Rules 2022

  • Future Farming Resilience Fund

  • Farming in Protected Landscapes

For advice and assistance on any of these schemes, get in touch:

Capital Grant Funding under CSS

We are pleased to have been able to assist a number of landowners with gaining approval for stand alone grant funding under Countryside Stewardship. As many are starting to think about making a start on capital projects, it is important to remember to keep records of the works you complete during your #CountrysideStewardship agreement. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) recommend that you take photographs before, during and after completing any capital works.

For advice or assistance with Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant or Mid or Higher Tier applications, get in touch:

New Capital Grant Funding Opportunities For Landowners 

Following changes to Countryside Stewardship rules, greater opportunities have opened up for landowners wishing to claim capital grants and stewardship payments. 

Due to changes to the rules, landowners with tenanted land can now claim capital grants and annual stewardship payments under the Countryside Stewardship Scheme. 

  • Along with annual payments, capital grants are available for items such as the following:

    •        Fencing

    •        Sheep netting

    •        New hedgerows and restoration of existing hedgerows

    •       Stone walling

    •        Concreting yards

    •      Livestock drinking troughs

    •      Livestock and machinery tracks

    •      New field gates

    •      Permenant electric fencing

    •        Water gates

    •   Tree planting and tree guards

    •       Wildlife boxes

    •    Biofilters

    •       Drainage, piped culverts and ditches

    •        Tree surgery

    •        Rainwater goods

    •      Sheep dip related items and drainage

    •      Check dams

    •        Sprayer washdown areas

    • Watercourse crossings

    • Hard bases for feed and drinking troughs

    • Ram pumps, pastrure pumps and associated pipework

      (Further capital grants are available under the Higher Tier of the scheme).

  • The scheme is due to open for applications in February. Those wishing to claim or enter the scheme this year have a short window to get prepared. Get in touch if you would like assistance with preparing an application or for further information on the scheme.

For further information or assistance with applications, get in touch.

Have Your Say on The ELMS Scheme

The Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS) is set to replace the Basic Payment Scheme once it is phased out. The scheme is currently being developed and as part of the consultation process farmers and landowners are being given an opportunity to have their say in relation to some aspects of the proposed scheme. The closing date for consultation is 31st July 2020. Prior to this DEFRA are running a series of Webinars which interested parties can join to hear more about the scheme proposals. Further details can be found here:https://consult.defra.gov.uk/elm/elmpolicyconsultation/

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