What are the Current Opportunities Available for Farmers to Grasp?
Close to the end of the first 6 months of 2024, and with end of June deadlines fast approaching for some of the grant applications, here is an update on the current grant opportunities available to help to offset the loss of the dwindling BPS payments.
In our capacity as land management consultants, we are helping many farmers and landowners navigate their way through the unfamiliar and sometimes daunting grants landscape.
In the last few months we have seen more and more farmers have demonstrating their willingness to benefit from funding under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Based in a predominantly grassland area, we have seen many farmers focusing on low input, herbal leys and legumes options.
Furthermore clients who were invited forward to submit full applications for the Slurry Infrastructure Grants have a deadline looming at the end of June.
For all farmers and landowners it is vital to make the most of the grant funding essential to the financial sustainability of farming business, and it’s crucial to be fully aware of the opportunities on offer, and application deadlines.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) open for rolling applications, with no closing date, offers a set £/ha payment rate for carrying out a range of land management options, which can provide a welcome income to offset the reduction in BPS. There is also funding for soil testing and nutrient management planning, which can provide useful funding help towards Environment Agency compliance. The government has announced they will release 50 more options this summer to provide further land management and funding opportunities.
Standalone Capital Grants like the SFI, are open from rolling applications, with no closing date, offers set rates for boundaries, water quality and air quality projects. The grant provides up to 3 years to complete the works, with claims paid only once work has been completed, but multiple claims are allowed. Capital Grants can be claimed to help carry out boundary improvements on the farm including fencing, dry stone walling, hedge laying, coppicing and new hedge planting. They can also cover water quality improvements including concrete yard renewal, roofing over dirty yards and downspouts and gutters which also help to meet clean water rules and EA compliance.
Those who were invited forward to complete the full application for the Slurry Infrastructure Grant – Round 1, have only until 28th June 2024 to submit their full and final application. With only six weeks until the deadline, applicants should be fully prepared now in order to secure this grant. The application requires any planning permissions to be in place together with detailed project costs and evidence of match funding. The design and location of the new infrastructure must also have been agreed with EA.
No longer open for new application, however those who have completed an expression of interest for the Improving Farm Productivity grant funding may now been invited to submit a full application. The funding is available to help improve productivity, introduce innovation and improve the environment, and might include the use of new robotic and automated equipment, LED lighting for horticultural crops, advanced ventilation controls and solar panels.
The final deadline for submitting your final application for this potentially significant funding is 30th June 2025, but a successful application will take both time and planning. To secure this funding, you will need three quotes with a breakdown of costs, details of how the grant will improve your business and the financial impact of the investment to assess financial viability. So, although a year away my advice is for applicants to start pulling the details together now.
Announced on 14th May was grant funding for improving the health and welfare for laying hens. It is not currently open, but the first online checker stage is due to open at the end of June. The grant funding will help provide 40% grant funding to upgrade (refurbish) or replace (with new) existing building or add a ‘veranda only’ onto an existing system. This provides an excellent opportunity for the poultry industry which is often overlooked.
Planning for the future of your farming enterprise is key, and there is various levels of support available, this support should be evaluated and where relevant and possible utilised.
For more information, contact your local H&H Land & Estates office today
