Following 8,000 applications in less than five weeks, Defra has announced the closure of the Capital Grants scheme.
According to Defra, it is the fastest uptake ever for the offer and shows a clear appetite from the sector to transition towards nature-friendly farming.
With the allocation of £150m, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner said: “I am delighted to see such strong demand in our Capital Grants offer, and strong momentum behind nature-friendly farming.
“We know that for farm businesses to thrive, they need to be profitable, and we will ensure that every penny of the budget reaches farmers as part of the government’s Plan for Change.”
Grants for reducing farming’s impact on water quality have proved to be the most popular, including upgrades to yard proofing to reduce agricultural runoff and fencing to keep livestock out of watercourses.
Applicants whose applications have been approved, will receive their money once the work has concluded and they have submitted a claim for payment.
