A Defra spokesperson said:

"The government's commitment to our farmers remains steadfast. It's why we have committed £5 billion to the farming budget over two years – the largest budget for sustainable food production and nature's recovery in our country's history.

"Over 60,000 agreements for our Environmental Land Management Schemes are now live and we will continue to evolve and improve them to support farmers, sustainable food production and nature recovery.

"As a result of unprecedented demand some of the capital grants offer for farmers will temporarily close to new applications. Agreements that have already been signed will be met, with further funding prioritised to help build a sustainable farming sector".

BACKGROUND

• £5 billion was confirmed for the farming budget over two years – the largest ever budget for sustainable food production and nature recovery - with ELM schemes remaining at the centre of our offer for farmers and nature with Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship and Landscape Recovery all continuing.
• Grant schemes will be prioritised so they can be made available where they are most effective to build a sustainable farming sector. Due to unprecedented demand, some capital grants will temporarily close to new applications so that funding can be prioritised to where it is most needed - a total of 76 grant items.
  • For those who have applied already, if an application relates to the grants that are temporarily withdrawn, it will be on hold for now. You will be contacted in early 2025 with information about what happens next.
• The RPA will continue to accept new applications in this period for:  
  • Woodland Tree Health grants, which help protect tree health against devastating plant pests and diseases.      
  • Capital grant plans and management plans are important to help support the development of new CS Higher Tier agreements.   
  • Protection and Infrastructure grants and Higher Tier capital grants, help support delivery of high value environmental benefits, such as re-wetting peat.    
• The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is open to farmers so they can make their businesses more sustainable and resilient. There has been a 13% increase in the number of SFI agreements since July 2024 and in total there are nearly 30,000 live agreements.