Govt called to consider Countryside Stewardship rollover agreements

The farmer-led organisation is calling for a one-year rollover agreement for farmers in England whose CS agreement finishes on 31st December. As it stands, there is no agri-environment scheme available for them to enter after that date. 

With arable farmers in particular operating on tight margins, there is real concern that many will have no choice but to plough up valuable habitat to grow more crops, simply to generate enough income, the NFFN leader said.   

This would be a major backwards step for nature’s recovery in England and seriously undermine the government’s legally binding target to reverse species decline by 2030, as well as its wider climate commitments. 

‘There is still time to act’ 

NFFN CEO Martin Lines said that a one-year rollover agreement for CS farmers would provide the “badly needed confidence” for the sector. 

He continued: “The government has failed to provide a joined-up approach to moving farmers into new agreements, leaving an enormous gap that now needs bridging. Fortunately, there is still time for ministers to act. 

“Farmers have been put in a very difficult position with no certainty. Once farmers leave agri-environment schemes, it is highly unlikely they will return as trust will be broken.” 

This gap has arisen because the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which should accommodate most farmers currently in CS Mid Tier schemes, is closed to new applicants until next year. Farmers with CS Higher Tier agreements are similarly left in limbo, as the new CS Higher Tier – part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes – will be invite-only. 

‘This isn’t just about money’ 

The NFFN said that proper investment in nature-friendly farming is vital for the future. With heatwaves and droughts already hitting farms hard, food security and the long-term viability of farm businesses depend on moving to low-input systems that work with nature. 

Mr Lines is now urging farmers to see the environmental benefits of schemes like CS as essential to preparing their businesses for both current and future challenges.  

He added: “We need farming that focuses on soil health, biodiversity and reducing costs.  This isn’t just about money –  it’s about building resilience in both our landscape and our businesses. 

“Farmers play a crucial role in managing water, protecting habitats and boosting biodiversity. Nature-friendly farming can also cut many of the core costs tied to environmental management.  

“We need the right support that both recognises the benefits of nature-friendly farming and ensures every penny of public money is spent as effectively as possible.” 

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