The Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship Scheme supports farmers to deliver environmental benefits while maintaining sustainable food production.
The Rural Payments Agency confirmed that three-quarters of eligible farmers have already received payments since the 2025 payment window opened on December 1.
The scheme increases agricultural resilience by managing land sustainably and supports promising rural businesses in line with government targets for nature recovery, carbon storage and sustainable food production.
What is the Country Stewardship Scheme?
The Countryside Stewardship scheme provides funding to farmers and land managers to improve their local environment.
We support a range of environmental improvement outcomes, from wildlife habitat restoration and forest creation to flood risk management.
Why is sustainable food production so important?
Sustainable food agriculture is essential to ensure long-term food security, environmental protection and social welfare.
One of the most important benefits of sustainable food farming is its positive impact on the environment. Practices such as crop rotation, reduced chemical use, soil conservation, and efficient water management help maintain soil fertility, protect biodiversity, and reduce pollution.
By working with natural ecosystems rather than against them, sustainable agriculture minimizes land degradation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Sustainable food farming also supports human health and communities. Reducing dependence on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers produces safer and more nutritious food. Small, local, sustainable farms often strengthen rural economies by creating jobs and promoting fair labor practices.
After all, sustainable food farming is more than just an agricultural approach; it’s a responsibility. It balances environmental considerations, economic viability and social equity, making it an important solution for building resilient and healthy global food systems.
Preserve and protect important farmland
The plan will also help protect and restore habitats and species, improve water quality, reduce flood risk, enhance carbon capture, and preserve important historic and archaeological features.
More than 28,351 payments have been made to date, bringing the total amount paid to farmers to £435.6m.
Neil Hornby, chief executive of RPA, said: “The RPA has been working hard to ensure that farmers receive their Countryside Stewardship and Environmental Stewardship payments as quickly as possible.
“We have made a strong start to the 2025 payment period, with an increase in the number of payments made in the first few weeks compared to last year.”
A new future for agriculture through sustainable food production
The Government is supporting UK farmers to build a productive, profitable and sustainable farming future.
Through new technology, streamlined regulations, and nature-friendly farming plans, we help farmers produce sustainable food for our people.
More than half of farmers participate in farming schemes that help them adopt profitable, nature-friendly methods.
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