On Tuesday, Defra unveiled more details on how the new Common Agriculture Policy scheme will be implemented in England, with the publication of the latest CAP Reform leaflet.

The latest leaflet, which will also be posted to farmers in November, includes vital information for new and young farmers. It explains how they could be eligible for new Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) entitlements from the ‘national reserve’, and young farmers can also find out whether they are eligible to claim a top-up payment worth up to 25 per cent of the average value of their entitlements.

Upon announcing the updated details, Farming Minister George Eustice said, "This latest leaflet contains key information for new and young farmers about new support they will be able to access at the point their career needs it the most.

"If we are to see this industry continue to thrive, it's vital that we encourage the brightest and best new talent into farming."

Up to three per cent of the total Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) budget, part of England’s budget under the Common Agricultural Policy, has been set aside to go to young farmers and new entrants into agriculture, if they currently have more land than entitlements. A further two percent of the BPS budget will be earmarked for young farmers who have taken control of their farm in the last five years.

The leaflet also includes more information about hedges and how they can be counted as Ecological Focus Areas. Rules around the width, length, height and location of hedges are all covered.