RPA gives update on Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier
27th January 2026
More than 4,000 farmers have accepted a further year’s extension on Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements – equating to just under £59 million.
Almost 80% of farmers offered an extension to their Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements have now accepted, the Rural Payments Agency has confirmed.
It was announced in October 2025 that over 5,000 farmers in England would be given a one-year reprieve on their CS Mid Tier agreements, after months of industry lobbying.
Without the extension, thousands risked losing financial support and it could also have endangered work to protect biodiversity and soil health.
The Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier scheme supports farmers and land managers to deliver environmental benefits while maintaining sustainable food production through a range of options, such as creating habitats for wildlife, managing hedgerows, and reducing water pollution.
By managing land in sustainable ways, the scheme boosts farm resilience and helps future-proof rural businesses, helping deliver government targets for nature recovery, carbon storage, and sustainable food production.
Welcome news, but long-term plan needed
NFU deputy president David Exwood welcomed the news but added that it’s crucial that Defra sets out a clear long-term plan.
“We’re pleased to see good uptake of the Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier roll over offer. Securing this roll over was a positive outcome for the NFU which gives thousands of farmers much needed certainty for the year ahead.
“It shows farmers remain committed to delivering for the environment, even at a time when there was limited information about the future of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer. It’s also good to see that the RPA has now processed all applications, so applicants have clarity before submitting their scheme claims this spring.
“With 27,800 farmers in agri environment schemes due to see their agreements end in the 2026/27 financial year, it’s now crucial that Defra sets out a clear long term plan for agri-environment policy, including further detail on the future of SFI.”
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Stability
Announcing the news, farming minister Dame Angela Eagle commented: “We’re backing British farmers to create a productive, profitable, and sustainable future for farming. Extending Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier agreements ensures farmers have the certainty and support they need to plan ahead.
“It’s heartening to see most farmers offered an extension have accepted, allowing them to continue growing their businesses, getting more British food on our plates, and helping to restore nature.”
Oliver Munn, CEO at the Rural Payments Agency, said: “We’re pleased that so many farmers have chosen to continue their Countryside Stewardship agreements. These extensions provide stability and allow farmers to keep delivering important environmental outcomes on their land.
“We’ve processed all accepted extensions and confirmation letters will be with customers shortly.”
All accepted extensions have now been processed, and those who accepted will receive a confirmation letter.
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