Following the UK’s departure from the EU, the Government has set out plans for a seven-year agricultural transition to a new system which will reward farmers for environmental improvements alongside food production on their land.

The Future Farming Resilience Fund has been created to provide tailored business support for England’s farmers during the transition period. The scheme aims to deliver direct benefits to farmers and land managers by enabling them to:

  • Help understand the changes that are happening as a result of the Agricultural Transition.
  • Identify how, what and when they may need to adapt their business model.
  • Access tailored support to address these changes.

Support will be available from August 2021 through to March 2022 and any farmer or land manager in England who us currently in receipt of Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments will be eligible to apply. Levels of support have yet to be confirmed.

Applications will open in August 2021. However, Defra is recommending applicants to contact awarding organisations early to avoid missing out on this phase. Contact details for these providers, operating in different parts of the country, can be accessed here

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:

'We know that change can be challenging which is why we are committed to helping farmers and land managers throughout the agricultural transition to feel supported to make the best decisions for their farms, families and future.

'As we continue to co-design and develop the future schemes it is important that the industry has access to expert support and knowledge. So I urge farmers and land managers to sign up to the Future Farming Resilience Fund now to ensure that come August they are able to use the help that is available to them.'