Get ready to apply for SFI26
Initial information on the SFI26 scheme is now live on GOV.UK for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1.
The Team
We're working with farms to improve the way we regulate and support farming and the environment.
If you'd like to get in contact with the editor, leave a comment on any post.
More time to apply for farming equipment and technology
You now have until midday on Tuesday 12 May to apply for a grant through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), giving you more time to complete an existing application or start a new one.
Farming podcast: building resilience through soil and water management
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The Team and Graham Higgins, Posted on:
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Conversations we're having, Defra Farming Podcast
In this episode, a Catchment Sensitive Farming adviser speaks to two arable farmers. One farms in Norfolk and the other in Cambridgeshire. They discuss how natural processes, like soil and water management, can help farms reduce costs.
Equipment and technology funding: deadline reminder
FETF 2026 offers funding to support investment in equipment and technology across productivity, animal health and welfare, and slurry management. The window to apply closes at midday on 28 April 2026.
Apply for a Lowland Peat Water Discovery Grant
You can now apply for a Lowland Peat Water Discovery Grant. Up to £4.5 million is available to help farmers and local partners explore more sustainable ways of managing water in lowland peat areas.
Improving EU trade: what you need to know
The government is working on a new food trade agreement with the European Union (EU) to make it easier for farmers and food producers to trade. This post explains the background to the agreement, what it is meant to do, and how you can keep up with progress.
Fertiliser survey: share your views
The conflict in the Middle East continues to influence global fuel and energy prices. We’re working closely with industry to monitor the situation. As part of this, we want to understand how these changes are affecting farmers and land managers in England. We’ve launched a survey to gather your experiences.
Nature market benefits: lessons from the Evenlode project
In March 2025, we introduced new standards for fair and transparent nature markets. This post explains what they mean in practice for farmers, using the Evenlode Landscape Recovery project as an example.
ADOPT Fund: upcoming application deadlines
If you’re considering applying for support through the latest rounds of the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies (ADOPT) Fund, this is a reminder that application deadlines are approaching.
The first meeting of the Farming and Food Partnership Board
The Farming and Food Partnership Board met for the first time yesterday, bringing together leaders from farming, food and retail.
Related content and links
New: Nutrient Management Planning Tool
Agricultural property relief
From 6 April 2026, full inheritance tax relief will apply to the first £2.5 million of qualifying agricultural and business assets, with lower relief applying to any value above this. Learn more
Talk to us
9 May Nottinghamshire Show at Newark Showground, Newark.
13–14 May The British Pig & Poultry Fair at the NEC Campus in Birmingham.
16 May The Hadleigh Show, Holbecks Park, Hadleigh, Ipswich.
17 May Essex Young Farmers Show, Boyton Hall, Roxwell, Chelmsford.
Livestock disease guidance
Get advice
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
