Farmers urged to act now or risk a 'grant free' 2017

Farmers are being advised that the window for mid-tier countryside stewardship applications is now open.

Not getting applications in on time could result in farmers missing out on vital subsidies and having a grant free 2017.

With a cut-off date of 30 September, Ben Compton, one of the rural experts at Bruton Knowles, is now advising those wanting to apply to do so with immediate effect.

Having replaced the Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) the Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship is a competitive scheme so farmers will have to demonstrate they can deliver the environmental benefits in order to qualify.

Ben said: “It’s important this application is submitted on time and in the right way, otherwise farmers run the risk of losing out. An online CS options tool is available and it would be a prudent use of time to get the application under way now.

“Also, with the grants under this scheme being competitive means the criteria for entry is much harder. This could result in farmers and landowners spending a lot of time on their application to no avail, time that could otherwise be spent on the land.

“The team at Bruton Knowles has advised farmers and landowners for many years on rural grant schemes and has an in depth knowledge on what’s required to make a successful application.”

Last year the Bruton Knowles team helped farmers claim close to £2 million worth of subsidies and know what it takes to get a successful claim in.

Ben added: “The window for applications is fairly reasonable so farmers can’t really complain that there isn’t enough time to get their forms in. What we’re keen to stress is that once the deadline has closed, that is it.

“The cut-off date for 2017 applications is 30 September with offers being issued at the beginning of November. Agreements for successful applicants will then start on 1 January 2017.

“The 1 January 2017 date is now set in stone and there is no comeback for late applicants.

“What is key is that farmers get their applications in on time. The implications are both financial and environmental so for anyone considering an application under the Mid-Tier Countryside Stewardship scheme but are unsure what to do should get in touch.”