Environmental Schemes

The role and future of Government Funded Environmental Schemes has previously been unclear since the Agricultural Transition Period began, however, the start of 2023 brought with it welcome announcements that the existing Countryside Stewardship Scheme is here to stay, and will be complimented by the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Landscape Recovery Scheme.

Countryside Stewardship Scheme

The Countryside Stewardship Schemes provides the opportunity for farmers and land managers to receive funding to enhance the environment and wildlife habitats on their farm, as well as gain access to capital funding for water quality, boundary and air quality benefits.

At FCG, we have years of experience building practical schemes that fit around the farming business and enterprises, securing our collective clients millions of pounds both through annual revenue payments and in capital funding.

We work with Natural England and Catchment Sensitive officers to ensure the best scheme is produced, securing your future funding for up to 5 years. Our CSS experts are experienced with dealing with the Rural Payments Agency and will deal with all requests during the application process and life of the agreement, responding to changes in policy, updating clients on new opportunities available to them and helping to manage their responsibilities under the scheme.

Countryside Stewardship offers a number of varied schemes including:

To begin designing your own bespoke scheme, please get in touch with your preferred consultant.

Sustainable Farming Incentive

Opened in 2022 and set to continue to evolve until 2024, the Sustainable Farming Incentive aims to pay farmers for adopting and maintaining sustainable farming practices, protecting and enhancing the natural environment and supporting farm productivity and optimising inputs.

There are currently 9 ‘Standards’ available to apply for, which range from payments for producing and following Nutrient Management Plans through to planting legume fallow areas.

FCG consultants are well placed to help with choosing which standards are appropriate for which areas, completing the necessary applications and producing paperwork to support the claims (some of which must be completed by appropriately qualified persons).

Landscape Recovery

Focused more upon delivering specific outcomes within specific areas, and more appropriate for large-scale, often multiple farm projects, these Environmental Schemes are highly competitive with only 25 projects being taken on in the 2023 application round.

Projects such as creating and enhancing woodland, peatland and nature reserves would be considered. FCG are able to advise if certain projects would be a suitable proposal, act as facilitators for groups with multiple applicants and liaise with relevant local bodies and groups to monitor and achieve the required outcomes.

Organic Farming

FCG consultants have helped many clients appraise the possibility of organic conversion submit applications to certification bodies and apply for both conversion and maintenance grants.  Conversion to organic farming can be an enormously rewarding process, but adhering to the requirements of the certification body can be complex and time consuming FCG consultants can help you through the whole process.

For more information, please contact your local FCG office by clicking here