Rural Payments Agency opens farm payments window for 2021

However this year will mark the start of the phase-out period, with direct payments being reduced ’fairly’ each year as the Government switches to the roll out of its three schemes, Sustainable Farming Incentive, Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery, to encourage environmental land management and boost farmers’ productivity.

The last payments will be made in 2027.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said: “We are undertaking the biggest change to agricultural policy in half a century, tailored to the needs of our farmers.

“I understand that some will be feeling anxious about the future. That is why we are making changes in a gradual way, and progressively reducing direct payments whilst we develop our new schemes.

“Farm resilience support is available to farmers throughout the first three years of the agricultural transition period, to help those most affected by the phasing out of direct payments.

“This will support the choices of individual farm enterprises, and help them plan for the future.”