Agent's Annual Review 2024
CS CAPITAL GRANTS
In November 2024 the RPA announced without notice that the scheme would be “paused” for new applications, and applications which had already been submitted since July and were “on-hold”. We are awaiting a new announcement from DEFRA/RPA about which further and “on-hold” applications will be allowed.
Apart from some very environmentally focused options, all the more useful “farming” options are under review, and in our opinion, farmers wishing to progress capital grant schemes should next concentrate on the following whilst waiting for formal announcements in the new year:
• CSF and Water quality capital applications such as RP15 (renewing concrete yards) and RP28 (roofing over stock gathering areas/silage clamps/manure stores) etc.
• Higher Tier CS/SSSI applications
• Hedgerow management and improvements which are likely to continue with only environmentally essential fencing.
Hedge laying
Wooden field gate
We think it likely that options such as FG1 (fencing) ,FG2 (sheep netting) , FG12 (wooden field gates) and TE11 (Tree surgery for large and medium limbs) will only be available if a case for exceptional environmental benefits can be made.
FETF
SIG2
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (2024) Applications have been made in 2024 for no-till seed drills, sheep races, and dairy equipment. Again these are only part funded, and competitive- however the application process is relatively simple so if the business would benefit it is obviously worth applying when the scheme opens for 2025.
Eligibility requirements are very strict and suppliers’ invoices and photographic evidence of the equipment in operation on farms is mandatory and easy to get wrong
Slurry infrastructure Grant During 2024 Expressions of interest for new slurry stores and improvements to existing slurry stores have been made by clients and planning applications are in progress pending approval of funding.
At the time of writing the scheme is closed to new applications however we await the results of the government spending review with regard to a future SIG 3 opportunity.
These are not fully funded and are “competitive” so not suitable for all livestock farmers and their agents. Much time effort and money can be expended on the applications without a viable offer being made, however, in our opinion this does provide a route for future proofing livestock businesses vulnerable to enforcement of the current winter storage requirements.
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