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DEFRA is merging CS Mid Tier and SFI into one application process in 2025, making funding easier, faster, and more efficient. Find out what’s changing and how to prepare.
Big changes are on the way for farmers and land managers applying for DEFRA’s flagship funding schemes. The Countryside Stewardship (CS) Mid Tier and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will soon merge into a single application process, creating a simpler, more efficient way to access funding. This move, expected later in 2025, promises to make life easier for those managing land across England.
Currently, CS Mid Tier and SFI require separate applications, each with its own timeline, criteria, and forms. But later this year, DEFRA will combine the two schemes into a single, unified process. This means less admin, fewer headaches, and a more cohesive approach to funding.
Here’s what it means in practice:
Instead of navigating two separate systems, you’ll only need to complete one streamlined application. This change reduces duplication and saves time, especially for those looking to combine actions that fall under both schemes.
With fewer forms to process and a more joined-up approach, approvals and payments are expected to move more quickly. Farmers can plan their land management projects with confidence, knowing support is on the way.
The merger brings together the best of both worlds. You’ll have access to the detailed environmental actions offered under CS Mid Tier and the flexibility of SFI, all within a single application. This makes it easier to align funding with your land management goals, whether you’re focused on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, or managing hedgerows.
The shift to a unified system is part of DEFRA’s broader effort to make environmental funding more accessible and effective. By reducing the complexity of applications, the government hopes to encourage greater participation in these schemes, ensuring more landowners and farmers can contribute to environmental targets without being bogged down by paperwork.
If you’re already enrolled in CS or SFI, don’t worry—existing agreements will remain valid, and guidance will be available to help you transition smoothly when the new process launches.
While the launch date hasn’t been confirmed, there are steps you can take now to get ready:
Changes like these can feel overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to simplify your workload and make the most of available funding. At AskGrant, we’re committed to keeping you informed and prepared.
Our platform makes it easy to:
Sign up with AskGrant today for personalised advice and guidance on navigating the new application process. With our help, you’ll be ready to embrace this simpler, more streamlined way of accessing funding—and spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on your land.
DEFRA is merging CS Mid Tier and SFI into one application process in 2025, making funding easier, faster, and more efficient. Find out what’s changing and how to prepare.
Big changes are on the way for farmers and land managers applying for DEFRA’s flagship funding schemes. The Countryside Stewardship (CS) Mid Tier and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will soon merge into a single application process, creating a simpler, more efficient way to access funding. This move, expected later in 2025, promises to make life easier for those managing land across England.
Currently, CS Mid Tier and SFI require separate applications, each with its own timeline, criteria, and forms. But later this year, DEFRA will combine the two schemes into a single, unified process. This means less admin, fewer headaches, and a more cohesive approach to funding.
Here’s what it means in practice:
Instead of navigating two separate systems, you’ll only need to complete one streamlined application. This change reduces duplication and saves time, especially for those looking to combine actions that fall under both schemes.
With fewer forms to process and a more joined-up approach, approvals and payments are expected to move more quickly. Farmers can plan their land management projects with confidence, knowing support is on the way.
The merger brings together the best of both worlds. You’ll have access to the detailed environmental actions offered under CS Mid Tier and the flexibility of SFI, all within a single application. This makes it easier to align funding with your land management goals, whether you’re focused on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, or managing hedgerows.
The shift to a unified system is part of DEFRA’s broader effort to make environmental funding more accessible and effective. By reducing the complexity of applications, the government hopes to encourage greater participation in these schemes, ensuring more landowners and farmers can contribute to environmental targets without being bogged down by paperwork.
If you’re already enrolled in CS or SFI, don’t worry—existing agreements will remain valid, and guidance will be available to help you transition smoothly when the new process launches.
While the launch date hasn’t been confirmed, there are steps you can take now to get ready:
Changes like these can feel overwhelming, but they’re also an opportunity to simplify your workload and make the most of available funding. At AskGrant, we’re committed to keeping you informed and prepared.
Our platform makes it easy to:
Sign up with AskGrant today for personalised advice and guidance on navigating the new application process. With our help, you’ll be ready to embrace this simpler, more streamlined way of accessing funding—and spend less time on paperwork and more time focusing on your land.
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