The voluntary Lump Sum Exit Scheme is now open for applications. As set out in the government’s Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 – 2024. Defra will offer farmers who wish to leave the industry the option of taking a lump sum payment. This will enable those who want to leave the industry to be able to leave in a managed way.  Once they have received a lump sum, they won’t be eligible for any further Direct Payments (Basic Payment Scheme payments or delinked payments) in England.

HOW TO APPLY - Farmers will be able to apply from the 12 April, up to and including 30 September 2022. Applicants then have until 31 May 2024 to transfer out their agricultural land where required. More information on how the scheme will work can be found at www.gov.uk/rpa/lump-sum-exit-scheme. Alongside the Lump Sum Exit Scheme Defra want to support new entrants coming into the industry, and we’ll be providing more details on that later this year