Are you ready for the Government’s new agricultural plan?

Before Christmas the Government announced details of its Agricultural Transition Plan, marking the beginning of a change from the Basic Payment Scheme to the Environmental and Land Management Scheme (ELMS). Described as the “most significant change to farming support and land management in 50 years”, what does it mean for you?

Components of ELMS are being rolled out over the next seven years but it’s never too soon to start looking at how your farm business will be impacted. Direct payments will reduce gradually over time, more quickly the more you claim, so it’s important to work out how the new scheme will support your business.

“Being focused on improving the environment, animal health and reducing carbon emissions, ELMS reflects the extensive, pasture-based systems practised by many farms in the South West,” commented Jeremy Oatey, Cornish farmer and Chair of Cornish Mutual. “It’s worth being proactive now, examining how to access the new funding, as details are released, to avoid the potential consequences of reduced direct payments before ELMS is fully up and running. The ELM scheme is more outcome-based, requiring action on your farm in order to qualify; it’s not just about completing the forms.”

During 2022/2023, the ELM scheme’s first tier, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, comes into play focusing on soil health, hedgerows and integrated pest management. It is viewed as a stepping-stone to the subsequent components and based on the assumption many of you are fulfilling the requirements already.

To view the full Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 – 2024 click here.