Important Updates…
Capital Grants Opening 30th July
Capital Grants will open on 30th July, and demand for funding is expected to be exceptionally high. If you are planning to submit an application and have not yet started the process, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible so we can help you prepare a strong application ahead of the opening date.
Please note that some items, such as Concrete Yard Renewal, do require support from Catchment Sensitive Farming. If you are considering these works in the next year or so it is recommended that you speak to us and your local CSF officer sooner rather than later.
SFI Budget For Window 1
SFI Window 1 Update
Window 1 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which is open to smaller farms and those without existing agreements, is currently accepting applications. We expect the RPA to announce shortly that 75% of the available funding for this window has already been allocated. There is however, still time to apply if you would like to do so.
Preparing for SFI Window 2
We are now preparing SFI applications ahead of Window 2, which opens in September. While the scheme is not competitive, demand is expected to be high, and the RPA has confirmed that applications will close once the available funding has been fully allocated.
Who Can Apply;
Open to all farmers (no limits on farm size)
Those with a Mid Tier Agreement expiring on or before 31/12/2026
Those with an existing SFI Agreement expiring on or before 28/02/2027
Get Ready to Apply
We intend to have SFI applications drafted and ready ahead of the Window 2 opening. If you have not yet thought about your application now is the time to begin the discussion.
Changes to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)
Defra have confirmed the changes to BNG that will come in to effect on Thursday 6th August 2026:
New 0.2-hectare exemption: The smallest developments will no longer be required to deliver mandatory BNG, provided they do not negatively affect onsite priority habitats.
New temporary development exemption: Developments on land that will be reinstated within five years or less will be exempt from mandatory BNG, unless onsite priority habitats are impacted.
Changes to the biodiversity gain hierarchy for minor developments: Minor developments that are not exempt from BNG (for example, sites larger than 0.2 hectares) will be able to opt for offsite biodiversity gains from the outset, rather than first demonstrating onsite delivery options.
Removal of the self-build and custom-build exemption: The existing exemption for self-build and custom-build developments will no longer apply.
What happens next?
Following the introduction of these changes on 6 August, further updates to the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) framework are expected as the Government continues to implement the measures outlined in its April response. We will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as further details become available.
