New farming grant rules

[Rodey]

Has anyone here been hit by the changes to the farming grants, subsidies, and schemes? I have some acreage in the Midlands, and I wanted to see about turning it into a productive idea, but everything I'm reading about what farmers are going through is putting me off.

[James]

Hey Rodey,

You're not alone in feeling concerned about the changes to farming grants and subsidies. The UK has been shifting away from the old Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) towards the Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs), which focus more on sustainable practices. Many farmers have found it challenging to adapt, especially smaller-scale ones.

If you have acreage in the Midlands and want to turn it into something productive, you might want to look into:

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): Offers payments for soil health, hedgerow management, and sustainable practices.
Countryside Stewardship: Supports environmental conservation efforts.
Farming Investment Fund: Helps with equipment and technology upgrades.
It depends on what kind of project you're considering—diversifying into agro-tourism, regenerative farming, or even something like rewilding for grants. If you're put off by the uncertainty, speaking to a rural business advisor or checking with DEFRA’s latest updates could help clarify options.

Would love to hear more about what you're thinking of doing with your land!

James