Capital grants for farmers have been suspended due to an increase in applications and growing budget pressures.
North of England rural property agents H&H Land & Estates said it had serious concerns following the recent suspension, which it said had left farmers across the country facing increased uncertainty.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has halted grant offers, citing budget pressures due to a surge in applications, but has provided no communication or guidance to advisors, applicants, or farmers.
H&H Land & Estates said: “The suspension affects a wide range of on-farm investments that grants have previously supported, including silage clamps, slurry stores, dry stone walls, fencing, and new hedges. These grants have been integral to helping farmers meet environmental standards and daily working practices.
“In addition to this, the Government has failed to meet its commitment to release information on Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements.
“Farmers were promised that by late summer they would be able to start preparing applications. However, it now appears that this information will not be available until next year, leaving many farmers unable to apply for grants at the moment.
“This delay is compounding the uncertainty in the agricultural sector, preventing essential investments in environmental stewardship and farm infrastructure.”
Nick Mullins, chartered surveyor and environment advisor at H&H Land & Estates, said: “These delays are causing major uncertainty for farmers, many of whom are left without the capital support they need to make essential investments for long-term sustainability of their businesses.
“Without clear communication from the RPA and government, the agricultural community is growing increasingly alarmed about the future of these grants and whether the agricultural budget is truly secure. Currently, it is still possible to submit capital grant applications and recommend that applicants continue to do so. This shows Defra the importance of these grants to farmers.”
The Central Association of Agricultural Valuers revealed the information and it said it was continuing to press the RPA for clarity.
An announcement on the future of the scheme is expected soon.
