Published: 27/03/2025 By Jane Ruell
The sudden withdrawal of new applications for SFI funding on 11 March sent shock waves through the farming industry. Following an anticipated spending review later this year, a future version of the SFI scheme may be made available but will be capped and targeted. Other schemes are still available, as Jane Ruell, Rural Surveyor at Symonds & Sampson outlines below:Schemes Currently Open:
Capital Grants for Plans – Funding to support the creation of plans such as Implementation, Feasibility, Agroforestry, and Woodland Management.
Animal Health & Welfare Review – Funding to support cattle, pig, and sheep farmers with vet services, disease testing, and welfare advice.
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) – Year-round applications for land in National Parks or National Landscapes funding nature recovery, climate mitigation, and public engagement.
Schemes due to open later this year:
Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) — CSHT funding to manage land in a way that protects, restores, or enhances the environment or mitigates the effects of climate change. This can include woodland, farmed land, or land managed for nature. CSHT will be by invitation from Natural England or the Forestry Commission.
Capital Grants — Applications submitted before the scheme temporarily closed in November 2024 will now be processed. Later this year, a revised scheme with annual funding caps will be open for new applications.
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) — The FETF will be able to help increase productivity, animal health and welfare, and environmental sustainability through equipment and technology.
Farming Innovation Programme (FIP) Competitions – A fund providing farmer-led, smaller-scale innovation grants for farmers and businesses to trial new technology and methods on their farm.
Experts in Symonds & Sampson’s Rural Grants team closely follow funding and policy developments to ensure they offer advice on the latest range of grants available. For advice, please get in touch with Jane on 01884 218911 or our agents in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
Rural Grants