For farmers and landowners, the landscape of agricultural funding is changing. With the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) being phased out, there’s a lot of talk surrounding new opportunities, particularly through the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes. These initiatives are designed to support farmers in managing their land sustainably while promoting biodiversity and combating climate change.
In this blog, we break it down to help you understand what it means for you, and how you can make the most of these schemes.
What Are Environmental Land Management Schemes?
ELM schemes are at the heart of the UK’s approach to sustainable farming and environmental care. They’re designed to reward landowners for taking actions that benefit the environment. Instead of being paid for the amount of land you own (as was the case with BPS), you will now receive funding for specific activities that contribute to environmental goals.
There are three key components to the ELM schemes:
- Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI)
This scheme supports practices that improve soil health, water quality, and overall farm sustainability. These are activities such as planting cover crops, reducing soil erosion, or adopting more efficient fertiliser use.
- Local Nature Recovery (LNR)
LNR focuses on boosting biodiversity and improving habitats. This might include creating wildflower meadows, planting hedgerows, or restoring wetlands.
- Landscape Recovery (LR)
LR is all about large-scale environmental projects, such as rewilding or reforestation. It’s an ambitious program aimed at tackling major environmental challenges such as flood prevention and carbon capture.
Each of these schemes is tailored to different scales and types of activity, meaning there’s likely something for everyone, whether you run a small farm or manage a large estate.
Why the Shift?
The move away from BPS is part of a broader effort to align farming practices with environmental goals. The government’s aim is to balance food production with the urgent need to address issues such as climate change, declining biodiversity, and soil degradation.
Farmers and landowners play a crucial role in protecting biodiversity. By creating habitats such as hedgerows, ponds, or wildflower margins, homes can be provided for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. These actions don’t just benefit the environment—they can also enhance crop yields and soil health, which ultimately supports farm productivity, creating a win-win situation.
It’s all about ensuring the countryside remains vibrant and productive for future generations through maintaining sustainable farming practices.
Grants and Funding Opportunities
Whilst transitioning to these new schemes might sound daunting, there is financial support available to make it easier, such as:
- Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI): Offers payments for adopting sustainable practices. For example, you might receive funding for improving soil health or reducing pesticide use.
- Countryside Stewardship (CS): Although being integrated into the ELM schemes, this program still provides funding for a variety of environmental activities, including tree planting, flood management, and habitat creation.
- Landscape Recovery Grants: Ideal for large-scale projects, these grants fund transformative efforts like peatland restoration or river rewilding.
- Other Support: Keep an eye out for local or regional grants that align with biodiversity or environmental goals. Organisations such as Natural England or local councils often have funding pots for specific initiatives.
The transition from BPS to ELM schemes marks a significant shift but is also an exciting opportunity. By embracing sustainable practices and enhancing biodiversity, you’re not just securing funding—you’re investing in the future of your land and the planet.
For tailored advice on ELM schemes, grants, or biodiversity projects, our team of agricultural law specialists at Amicus Law are here to help. We’ll guide you through the process, ensuring you’re well-informed and well-prepared for this new chapter. We’re on your side!