Temporary Adjustments to ELMS Agreements

back to News

Ellice Hahne (FCG Midwest)

Information correct as of 26/08/2026

Defra has announced some temporary adjustments to ELMS agreements to support farmers through the drought. This applies to SFI, Higher Tier, Mid Tier, ES and HLS agreements. This means you may either continue to comply with your option requirements as normal or use the temporary adjustment without penalty to your payments. If you do choose to adjust your option, you must fill in a form and keep it for your records.

The adjustments include:

  • Establishing firebreaks on agreement land
  • Cutting or grazing options that you would not usually be allowed to, or at a time you would not usually be allowed to (e.g., some grass margins, option IGL2 under SFI)
  • Delaying the establishment of options until a later date

You must still try to establish options where you have said you would, but if they do fail, you do not need to try again this year. You must however email the RPA to inform them of this.

The temporary adjustments are in effect from 15th of August until the end of the drought, unless stated otherwise.

ccccccccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Please find the relevant links below or contact Ellice at ellicehahne@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office if you would like more information on the temporary adjustments.

ccccccccccccccccccccccccc

Full guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hot-and-dry-weather-temporary-support-for-farmers-in-2026

Guidance on firebreaks: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hot-and-dry-weather-temporary-support-for-farmers-in-2026#annex-a

List of options with temporary adjustments: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hot-and-dry-weather-temporary-support-for-farmers-in-2026#annex-b

Categories