There is some good news for farmers thanks to a raft of schemes and funding which can be accessed and applied for.

In essence, it means support for farms in 2026 is becoming simpler, fairer and more practical, with clearer schemes and more funding directed to where it makes the biggest difference.

Sustainable Farming Incentive

One such is the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) which has been redesigned in response to farmer feedback. The new offer is now simpler, with fewer actions and with less complexity, while still offering plenty of choice for every type of farm. A new £100,000 annual cap will help ensure fair access across the sector.

To apply for the support, the application window opens in June 2026 for small farms of up to 50 hectares or those without any current ELM agreements. For all farms, the window for applications opens in September 2026.

Equipment and Innovation grants

There are also equipment and innovation grants available. The final round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) opens on March 17, 2026. It offers £50 million for productivity, slurry and animal welfare equipment with up to £25,000 per grant.

The Farming Innovation Programme adds another £70 million for practical research and development, including £30 million for the ADOPT programme helping farmers trial new innovations on farm.

The window for accessing such support runs from March 17 for six weeks only.

ELM Capital Grants

Elsewhere there are ELM Capital Grants which are available from July 2026. This round will provide £225 million for one-off environmental investments such as tree planting, hedgerow restoration and water-quality improvements. It represents a significant increase from last year.

Anyone who would like help in applying for the grants or would like more information about them, criteria and the application process, please call Sheldon Bosley Knight’s rural, land and development team on 01509 243720.