Changes to agricultural support, together with pressures on profitability from rising input costs, mean it’s more important than ever for farmers to plan and adapt for the future.
Over the last 18 months we’ve helped hundreds of farmers across England navigate the transition away from the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and identify options to modify their businesses, through the Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF).
The FFRF offers farmers free advice to help them to plan for the future, backed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), which has committed £32 million to provide the support.
Whether it’s some redundant farm buildings you want to turn into a business, help to create a robust business plan or guidance around the income opportunities available via the new government-backed grant and funding schemes, now is the perfect time to make the most of the support available and give your farming business a health check.
Who is it for?
In short - any rural business that has claimed BPS. The size of the business is irrelevant and it is open to owner occupiers and tenants. It covers arable, mixed, dairy, beef and sheep farming businesses throughout England.
What can it help with?
The scope of the funding is wide ranging and tailored to individual circumstances. So far, we have met farmers seeking advice around diversification opportunities – from ice cream production to glamping – looking to develop business plans for new investment or help in understanding what funding might be available to them through the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
Farmers we met in the months after the fund’s launch in October 2022 have taken advice leading to changes in businesses’ enterprise mix, adopting Countryside Stewardship, reviews of the existing management structure, successional changes and adopting new funding streams or farming techniques.
How do I apply?
The first step is to register by clicking here. Applicants then have free access to a one-to-one farm business review, online tools, resources and industry expertise. The scheme runs until March 2025 but as BPS dwindles the sooner support is applied for, the better.
Further information
Contact Adrian Matthews
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