Streamlined system is farmers' opportunity
The Countryside Stewardship scheme has now opened for farmers and land managers to request 2018 application packs.
Defra announced that from January 15, farmers in England could request an application pack for either an arable, lowland grazing, mixed farming or upland “offer”.
Farmers and land managers now have until May 31 to request a paper application pack for the new offers, with the final deadline for applications to be submitted set as July 31.
The four new offers have been introduced to complement the existing Higher Tier and Mid Tier offers and the Government has said it expects the scheme to halve the amount of paperwork currently needed.
The process is also said to be simpler and quicker due to streamlined evidence checks and shorter application forms - which will be very much welcomed by farmers and landowners across Shropshire.
The offers – Online Arable Offer, Lowland Grazing Offer, Upland Offer and Mixed Farming Offer – provide tailored options covering the full range of different farm types, so farmers and land managers can deliver environmental benefits no matter where they are or what they farm.
And unlike existing offers, all landowners who make a valid application for any of the four new packages will be guaranteed funding though the scheme.
This application window is an opportunity for farmers new to Countryside Stewardship, or those coming out of previous stewardship agreements, to sign up for an agreement that will be guaranteed for its lifetime, to protect wildlife, boost biodiversity and deliver environmental benefits for their local communities.
Farmers intending to apply online this year will be able to create their Online Arable Offer application pack from February 20.
Grants of up to £10,000 are also available for farmers and land managers to restore existing farm boundaries such as hedgerows and stone walls.
The money is available as a standalone capital grant offered under Countryside Stewardship.
The application period for the scheme also opened on January 15 and closes on April 30, 2018.
Land managers can choose from 12 different options, which include payments for hedge laying, gapping up, coppicing or bank and stone wall repairs.
Paul Madeley, Managing Director at Madeleys Chartered Surveyors.
