The latest on Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Farming Equipment and Technology Fund

There have been notable updates to two Defra schemes relevant to members in England: the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) and the Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT).

But what has been announced and what are the next steps for those receiving these funds?

The 2025 round of FETF opened on 29 May and closed on 10 July. Around 9,500 applications were submitted, the busiest round yet, showing that farmers are keen to invest in more efficient and sustainable ways of working. The fund is intended to help farmers invest in equipment and technology across three themes: improving productivity, better managing slurry and supporting animal health and welfare.

Each theme has an associated list of equipment that can be applied for, such as:

• Equipment to help with more precise crop management (productivity)
• Slurry separators and dribble bars (slurry management)
• Mobile handling units (animal health and welfare)

Defra has begun issuing grant funding agreements (GFAs) to successful applicants under the productivity and slurry themes. If you applied under the animal health and welfare theme, you will need to wait longer - processing is taking more time due to the volume of applications.

A few key reminders:

• FETF grants are competitive, and applications are being scored - this means that not all applications will be successful
• Applicants who are not awarded funding will receive communication explaining the reasons for this

If you do receive a GFA:

• Read it carefully - check the terms, conditions and claim deadlines
• Accept or decline the offer via the Farming Investment Fund Service by the deadline
• Contact the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) if you have any questions about the agreement or project

Remember that taking time to get the paperwork right now could save you from any problems in the future.

The CSHT scheme is being rolled out in a phased, invitation-only approach. This aims to help the RPA and Defra smooth out issues before the scheme is more widely available. The online application service is set to open next week for those who have been invited to apply, have received pre-application advice and completed any preparatory work.

Eligibility begins with an invitation from the RPA to receive pre-application advice, which is provided by Natural England or the Forestry Commission.

Groups being prioritised include those with:

• Existing CSHT agreements ending in 2025
• An approved woodland management plan
• Applicants with an approved agri-environment plan (e.g. an implementation plan or agroforestry plan)

The updated offer includes:

• New actions for watercourse protection, including measures to improve water quality, manage water edge habitats and reduce downstream flood risk
• A new species-rich floodplain meadow action to support biodiversity, provide floodwater and carbon storage and climate resilience
• New agroforestry actions aimed at reducing soil erosion, improving water and air quality and providing shelter for crops and livestock

There are also improvements to how the scheme is delivered, including:

• Quarterly payments to help with cash flow throughout the year
• Monthly agreement start dates
• A simplified online application process.

These changes aim to make the scheme more flexible and accessible.

If you are preparing an application, the CSHT landing page is your go-to resource. It includes an applicant’s guide and checklist, agreement holder’s guide and printable version of the CSHT actions.

All CSHT actions are now searchable in the FIND tool, which lets you:

• Search by action name
• Explore actions by land type or area interest (e.g. arable land and water quality)
• Access optional advice (not mandatory) for each action

It is important that your application reflects what was agreed during the pre-application advice. A further update will be issued when the service goes live and the CLA will ensure that you are updated.