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DEFRA has temporarily closed applications for 76 capital grant items due to overwhelming demand. Key grants like Woodland Tree Health and Higher Tier options remain open, while submitted applications for closed grants are on hold until early 2025
Due to unprecedented demand, DEFRA has temporarily closed applications for 76 capital grant items under its main capital grant offer. This decision comes as the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) grapples with a surge in applications, which have exceeded last year’s totals by 42% in value between May and November alone.
While this reflects the farming sector’s eagerness to invest in sustainable practices, the closures underscore the challenge of managing limited funds amid extraordinary demand. With £5 billion allocated to farming and nature recovery over the next two years, DEFRA is prioritizing funds for grants with the most immediate and significant impact.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s still open, what’s on hold, and how this affects applications already in the system.
The main capital grant offer is now closed to new applications for 76 grant items. This includes a wide range of funding opportunities previously available for farm infrastructure and environmental improvements.
The closures aim to ensure the remaining budget is allocated where it can deliver the greatest benefits for food security and nature conservation.
If you’ve already submitted an application for a closed grant, it will be on hold until early 2025, when DEFRA will provide further updates on its status.
Not all grants are affected. You can still apply for the following:
If your application is for one of these open grants, it is being processed, and eligible applications should expect an offer soon.
If you’re unsure about which grants align with your projects, AskGrant is here to help. Our tools and advisors provide tailored advice on navigating these changes and identifying the best opportunities for your land. Whether you’re exploring Woodland Tree Health funding or considering Higher Tier options, we can guide you through the application process and help refine your approach.
For farmers who have already submitted applications for grants that are now closed, this pause may feel disruptive, particularly for projects planned for the winter months. DEFRA has clarified:
The decision to close applications was driven by exceptional demand, which saw more applications in six months than in the entirety of the previous financial year.
In response to feedback, DEFRA plans to simplify access to environmental schemes in 2025. This includes a rolling application window for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements, designed to make applications more flexible and accessible.
DEFRA is also increasing capacity within these schemes to allow more farmers to participate in efforts to boost productivity and sustainability.
Here’s how you can navigate these changes:
DEFRA’s decision to temporarily close 76 capital grant items reflects an overwhelming demand for funding in the farming sector. While this may disrupt some immediate plans, it also signals a sector-wide push towards sustainable practices and infrastructure.
By prioritizing high-impact grants and simplifying access in the future, DEFRA aims to support a resilient farming sector that balances productivity with environmental stewardship. If you need help navigating these changes or want personalized advice on making the most of current and future funding, reach out to AskGrant. Together, we can help you adapt, innovate, and thrive as these opportunities evolve.
DEFRA has temporarily closed applications for 76 capital grant items due to overwhelming demand. Key grants like Woodland Tree Health and Higher Tier options remain open, while submitted applications for closed grants are on hold until early 2025
Due to unprecedented demand, DEFRA has temporarily closed applications for 76 capital grant items under its main capital grant offer. This decision comes as the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) grapples with a surge in applications, which have exceeded last year’s totals by 42% in value between May and November alone.
While this reflects the farming sector’s eagerness to invest in sustainable practices, the closures underscore the challenge of managing limited funds amid extraordinary demand. With £5 billion allocated to farming and nature recovery over the next two years, DEFRA is prioritizing funds for grants with the most immediate and significant impact.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s still open, what’s on hold, and how this affects applications already in the system.
The main capital grant offer is now closed to new applications for 76 grant items. This includes a wide range of funding opportunities previously available for farm infrastructure and environmental improvements.
The closures aim to ensure the remaining budget is allocated where it can deliver the greatest benefits for food security and nature conservation.
If you’ve already submitted an application for a closed grant, it will be on hold until early 2025, when DEFRA will provide further updates on its status.
Not all grants are affected. You can still apply for the following:
If your application is for one of these open grants, it is being processed, and eligible applications should expect an offer soon.
If you’re unsure about which grants align with your projects, AskGrant is here to help. Our tools and advisors provide tailored advice on navigating these changes and identifying the best opportunities for your land. Whether you’re exploring Woodland Tree Health funding or considering Higher Tier options, we can guide you through the application process and help refine your approach.
For farmers who have already submitted applications for grants that are now closed, this pause may feel disruptive, particularly for projects planned for the winter months. DEFRA has clarified:
The decision to close applications was driven by exceptional demand, which saw more applications in six months than in the entirety of the previous financial year.
In response to feedback, DEFRA plans to simplify access to environmental schemes in 2025. This includes a rolling application window for Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements, designed to make applications more flexible and accessible.
DEFRA is also increasing capacity within these schemes to allow more farmers to participate in efforts to boost productivity and sustainability.
Here’s how you can navigate these changes:
DEFRA’s decision to temporarily close 76 capital grant items reflects an overwhelming demand for funding in the farming sector. While this may disrupt some immediate plans, it also signals a sector-wide push towards sustainable practices and infrastructure.
By prioritizing high-impact grants and simplifying access in the future, DEFRA aims to support a resilient farming sector that balances productivity with environmental stewardship. If you need help navigating these changes or want personalized advice on making the most of current and future funding, reach out to AskGrant. Together, we can help you adapt, innovate, and thrive as these opportunities evolve.
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