DEFRA Announce New Countryside Stewardship Payment Rates

DEFRA has announced increases in payment rates for many Countryside Stewardship Revenue options which will apply to both existing agreements and those commencing 1st January 2022 although some rates do remain unchanged.

For agreements starting in 2023, some payments will decrease. The new rates for the options can be seen on this link countryside Stewardship revenue payment rates from 1 January 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Existing agreement holders are being contacted by DEFRA either by email or post but updated agreements are not being issued. With the application window for 2023 agreements expected to open in February, now is a good time to look again at the possibilities where the previous payment rates were not attractive enough, particularly for grassland farmers.

Please contact our Agricultural Team on 01423 860322 if you are considering an application for 2023 and would like to discuss this further.