Many farmers remain unaware of the clarity provided on delinked payments within the Governments 2025 Spending Review, published last summer; specifically confirmation that claimants will be eligible for a maximum £600 each year.
The maximum reference amount will remain capped at £30,000, to which a 98% reduction will be applied and whilst the certainty the announcement provides will be welcome, the accelerated reduction from the maximum £7,200 paid to claimants in 2025, will be less so.
The payments will again be made in a single instalment in August of each year, before they are phased out completely by 2028.
Following the announcement, farmers will understandably be looking to other sources of grant funding but with the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme closed for new entrants until at least June 2026 and Countryside Stewardship Higher-Tier only available to very few, the options are limited.
The emphasis however, following the earlier, unexpected scheme closures, has to be on proper planning; in making sure that you and your farming business are in the best possible position to apply as and when the schemes do reopen.
For advice on delinked payments, on forthcoming schemes or for help preparing your business for the same, contact Stags Professional Services on 01823 653424 to be put in touch with your local expert.
