Defra has announced £150 million in new funding with the reintroduction of the Capital Grants scheme.
Farmers and land managers are now able to apply for a total of 78 items, ranging from supporting natural flood management projects to improving water quality on farms under this new round of the Capital Grants offer. Four new items have been added, including assessing woodland condition, creating wildfire management plans, repairing drystone walls and hosting educational visits.
Environment Secretary Steve Reed noted that last year alone, Capital Grants helped plant over 4,000 miles of hedgerows and said it will provide further support for sustainable food production and environmental improvement.
“British farmers work tirelessly to feed the nation and look after our countryside. This major investment will give them the tools to cut pollution, restore nature, and grow their businesses.
“It forms part of the record £11.8 billion we’ve committed to sustainable farming during this Parliament – boosting food security, supporting rural growth, and protecting the environment.”
Defra believes that by setting funding limits, it will make the scheme fairer and allow more farmers to benefit. This includes funding limits to four of the six groups of capital items in this Capital Grants offer.
It has set a cap of £25,000 for water quality and air quality improvements, and natural flood management, plus £35,000 maximum for the group covering boundaries, trees, and orchards
Defra has also assured it will listen to feedback from farmers and use it to improve the offer ahead of the next round, which we plan to open in 2026.
