Payments for 2016 and 2017
For all farmers who claimed Stewardship in 2016 and/or 2017, Defra is committing to pay at least 75% of the value of their claim by the end of September. Where a 50% advance payment has already been made, farmers will receive a 25% top up.
“No Deal” arrangements?
In one of its recent “technical notes” Defra has confirmed that, in the event of a “No Deal” Brexit, existing Stewardship agreements will be fully funded until the end of their contracts and new agreements can be entered into during 2019 and 2020.
Woodland Grant Creation Scheme now open all year
Farmers can now apply to the Woodland Creation Scheme throughout the year rather than having to wait for the application window. This scheme provides payments of up to £6,800/ha to establish new woodland and applicants can apply for one-off payments to fund trees, associated protection items, including fencing and spiral guards, and infrastructure to help establish new woodland. Once the woodland has been planted, farmers can apply for a separate maintenance grant worth £200/ha for a 10-year period. The minimum project size is generally 3ha, with a minimum block size of 0.5ha and the majority needs to be planted with native species.
