Applying for new grants scheme could be worth the effort
Undoubtedly some farmers have been put off applying for the Countryside Stewardship Scheme mid-tier and water grants following delays over the last few years in both decisions and payment. But the pain could be worth the gain.
Mid-tier is a five-year scheme that replaces Entry Level Stewardship/Higher Level Stewardship. If your current ELS/HLS ends before December 31, 2017, or you are not currently in a scheme, you are eligible to apply.
A wide variety of land management options are available to choose from to allow you to create a scheme that fits your farming system. You’ll need to look carefully at the options you can select as they aren’t the same as ELS/HLS but choosing correctly and in fact combining some of the options available will ensure the maximum payment possible.
You don’t have to have all of your land in the scheme, but can select the most suitable areas.
Water grant capital items (see below) are also available. However, unlike the water grant where there is a maximum amount payable, this limit does not apply when the capital items form part of a mid-tier agreement.
The application process is competitive, so consideration needs to be given to choosing the options that will best achieve Natural England’s priorities.
Water grants (previously Catchment Sensitive Farming capital grant scheme) - up to £10,000 is available for standalone grants to complete works to improve water quality, for example, concreting yards, covering handling areas. To be eligible you need to be located within a priority catchment and gain approval for the desired works from your local Catchment Farming Officer.
Applications are being accepted until September 30 but you’ll need to register for an application pack by the end of this month. Successful agreements will commence on January 1, 2018.
Most importantly, funding is guaranteed for this application round. However Natural England do not know if there will be funds available for further future rounds. Therefore, considering applying for the scheme this year is more important than ever.
It can be complex both in terms of application and process and there are other elements to consider such as the upcoming changes to EFA’s in relation to CSS but, if you are prepared to navigate your way through this, or enlist the help of a rural professional service, then it could prove a wise decision.
If you need help or advice then we are happy to have an informal chat.
Katie Morris is a partner within the Rural Professional Department at McCartneys' Knighton office
