The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed that almost 80% of farmers who were offered an extension to the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier scheme have now reaccepted their agreements.
According to the RPA, more than 4,000 farmers have taken up extension agreements that will run until the end of this year, with just under £59 million being provided to farmers through the scheme.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) explained that the scheme aims to support farmers and landowners by helping them “deliver environmental benefits while maintaining sustainable food production through a range of options, such as creating habitats for wildlife, managing hedgerows, and reducing water pollution.”
Defra added that the scheme is designed to “boost farm resilience and help future-proof rural businesses” through managing land in sustainable ways, which will also advance government targets for nature recovery, carbon storage, and sustainable food production.
By extending the agreements for a further year, Defra hopes farmers will now have the support they need to continue restoring nature and producing food sustainably, forming part of the government’s plan to give farmers long-term strategic certainty.
Defra
Commenting on the uptake of the scheme, Defra’s Minister of State Dame Angela Eagle said: “We’re backing British farmers to create a productive, profitable, and sustainable future for farming.
“Extending Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements ensures farmers have the certainty and support they need to plan ahead.
“It’s heartening to see most farmers offered an extension have accepted, allowing them to continue growing their businesses, getting more British food on our plates, and helping to restore nature.”
Oliver Munn, CEO of the RPA, also welcomed the news, stating that the agency is “pleased that so many farmers have chosen to continue their Countryside Stewardship agreements.”
“These extensions provide stability and allow farmers to keep delivering important environmental outcomes on their land.
“We’ve processed all accepted extensions and confirmation letters will be with customers shortly,” Munn added.
