Enviromental schemes
Environmental stewardship replaces previous agri environment schemes and has three levels.
Diversification Grants such as strategic investment grants are available as part of the Rural Development Programme for England for which the Rural Development Agency is responsible.
Entry Level stewardship (ELS)
Entry Level Stewardship aims to encourage environmental management of farms and can offer payment rates of up to £30 per hectare over a 5 year period.
Halls can provide advice and assistance in choice of management options and the preparation of applications and farm environmental records.
Organic entry level stewardship
This is very similar to the ELS but will include additional options for fully converted organic farms as well as those in conversion.
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS)
Higher level stewardship is based on the previous Countryside Stewardship and Environmentally Sensitive Area agreements. Acceptance onto the higher level scheme is not guaranteed and all applications go through an assessment procedure. Farmers wishing to enter HLS should already be in an entry level agreement.
Halls can assist in the preparation of HLS applications including preparation of the necessary Farm Environmental Plan which is DEFRA funded; we can also assist with Single Farm Payment schemes.
For further information please contact Shaun Jones in Shrewsbury or Daniel Lovatt / Sarah Hulland at our Kidderminster office.
DIVERSIFICATION GRANTS
Grants are available in connection with training; modernisation of holdings including the use of renewable energy; adding value to agricultural and forestry products; and also for diversification.
Some of the funds are ring-fenced at the present for livestock welfare and health improvement. There will obviously be no funding towards helping meet Cross Compliance or normal agricultural activities. Our team would be happy to look at the possibility of your business benefitting from these available grants.
Contact: Helen Gibbs 01905 720 116
