Grant funding opportunities for farmers and landowners in 2026
A range of grant funding remains available to help farmers, landowners and rural businesses invest in productivity, environmental improvements, woodland management and animal health and welfare.
However, application windows, eligibility requirements and available budgets vary considerably between schemes. Some opportunities are open throughout the year, while others have limited application periods or may close once the available funding has been allocated.
Below, we have summarised some of the principal funding opportunities currently available for the remainder of 2026.
Last updated: 26 October 2026.
Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI)
What does it support? Environmental land management activities that support sustainable food production, improve soil health and create or restore habitats.
Application position: SFI26 is now closed to applications. Window 1 closed on 28 August 2026. Window 2 closed on 22 September, within hours of opening, after the available funding was allocated. The Government plans to offer an SFI scheme in 2027 and is considering refinements ahead of its launch.
Further information: SFI26: scheme rules and guidance - GOV.UK
Countryside Stewardship (CS) Higher Tier
What does it support? The protection, restoration and enhancement of environmentally significant sites, priority habitats, woodlands and historic features.
Application position: Applications for wider agri-environment agreements remain invitation-led. Natural England prioritises farmers and land managers with qualifying existing agreements ending soon, or who have completed the required preparatory work.
Farmers and land managers can also submit an Expression of Interest for woodland improvement, agroforestry, species-rich grassland or scheduled monument management. Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee an agreement.
Further information: Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier - GOV.UK
CS Capital Grants
What does it support? Capital works that deliver environmental improvements, including measures to improve water and air quality, restore boundaries and support natural flood management.
Funding caps apply to certain groups of capital items. These include caps of £25,000 for water quality, air quality and natural flood management items and £35,000 for boundary items.
Application position: Applications for the 2026 Capital Grants offer are closed, as the available budget has been allocated. Capital grants plans are a separate offer and remain open throughout the year. No opening date has been confirmed for a further Capital Grants round in 2027.
Further information: Capital Grants 2026 - GOV.UK
Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)
What does it support? Equipment and technology that can improve farm productivity, support slurry management and enhance animal health and welfare.
Application position: The FETF 2026 application window closed at midday on 12 May 2026. Although applications are no longer being accepted, businesses considering future investment may wish to review the scheme requirements and eligible equipment in preparation for any further funding rounds, if announced.
Further information: Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (closed) 2026 - GOV.UK
Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL)
What does it support? Projects undertaken by farmers and land managers within National Parks, National Landscapes and the Broads.
Funding can support projects that help nature or climate recovery, protect or improve the character of the landscape, or provide opportunities for people to understand and enjoy the countryside through tourism, education and access.
Application position: The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has been extended until March 2029. Applications may close earlier within individual protected landscapes if the available local funding is fully allocated.
Applicants should discuss their proposed project with the relevant protected landscape body before applying.
Further information: Get funding for farming in protected landscapes - GOV.UK
Woodland Management Planning Grant
What does it support? A one-off payment towards the preparation of a ten-year Woodland Management Plan that complies with the UK Forestry Standard.
A Woodland Management Plan provides a structured programme for the sustainable management of woodland. It may include a recommended schedule of work and support an application for a felling licence. An approved plan can also help woodland owners access further management funding.
Application position: Applications are open throughout 2026.
Further information: PA3 Woodland management plan 2026 application guide - GOV.UK
English Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO)
What does it support? The creation of new woodland covering at least one hectare.
The English Woodland Creation Offer can contribute towards the standard capital costs of establishing new woodland and certain associated infrastructure. Additional payments may be available where woodland is created in a strategically important location or delivers wider environmental and public benefits.
Annual maintenance payments of £400 per hectare may also be available for up to 15 years.
Application position: Applications can be made throughout the year.
Further information: How the England Woodland Creation Offer works - GOV.UK
MOREwoods
What does it support? Planting trees on at least 0.5 hectares.
Funding provided by the Woodland Trust for up to 75% of the cost of supplying trees and tree protection. Advice is also provided to help design the woodland and create a suitable species mix. Restocking following recent felling is not eligible for this grant funding.
Application position: Applications are open throughout 2026.
Further information: Plant Trees on Your Land with MOREwoods - Woodland Trust
Woodland Tree Health Grants
What does it support? The restoration of woodland following tree felling undertaken because of an eligible tree health issue.
Funding may also be available for work involving trees or rhododendron affected by certain Phytophthora infections. The eligibility requirements differ depending on the disease, species and work proposed.
Application position: Applications are open throughout 2026.
Further information: Woodland Tree Health grants 2026 application guide - GOV.UK
Farming Innovation Programme
What does it support? Research and innovation projects that help improve agricultural productivity, sustainability, resilience and profitability.
The programme includes several funding competitions designed to bring farmers, growers, researchers and other agricultural businesses together to develop and test new ideas.
This includes the Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund, known as ADOPT, which supports collaborative on-farm trials and experiments.
Application position: Funding competitions open at different points throughout the year, with application dates depending on the nature and stage of the project.
Further information: Farming Innovation Programme - UKRI
Improve Animal Health and Welfare
What does it support? Funding for eligible cattle, sheep and pig farmers to arrange a veterinary visit to undertake an animal health and welfare review. An optional endemic disease follow-up may also be available following the initial review.
From 22 January 2026, funding for an initial review includes £647 for a beef cattle herd and £574 for a sheep flock. Different payment rates apply to dairy cattle and pigs.
Application position: The service is currently open. All reviews and follow-up visits must be completed by 19 June 2027, with claims submitted by 19 September 2027.
Further information: Funding to improve animal health and welfare - GOV.UK
Water Management Grant
What does it support? Funding to help farmers build on-farm reservoirs to store water for crop irrigation and improve resilience during dry periods.
Application position: Defra has announced up to £15 million for a new round of the Water Management Grant, expected to open in autumn 2026. The application guidance and opening date have not yet been published.
Farmer Welfare Grant
What does it support? Projects that strengthen the mental health, wellbeing, and personal and business resilience of farming communities across England. The grant supports organisations with experience working with farming communities to deliver practical support; individual farm businesses cannot apply directly.
Application position: Applications for the 2026 round closed at midday on 9 September 2026.
Further information: Apply for the Farmer Welfare Grant – GOV.UK
Thames Water Catchment Fund
What does it support? Only available for farmers within the Thames Water priority Catchment areas. Funding for activities that help tackle water pollution, such as winter cover cropping, legume leys, arable reversion, roofing and concrete yard renewal.
Application position: Applications are open throughout 2026.
Further information: Nitrate handbook
Severn Trent Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS 2026)
What does it support? Only available for farmers within the Severn Trent priority Catchment areas. Funding for activities that improve soil health and protect watercourses, such as cover cropping, herbal leys, watercourse fencing, field margins and soil testing.
Application position: Applications are open until 11th December 2026 (unless funding allocated before then)
Further information: STEPS Objectives and Options | Working with farmers and land managers | Environment | About Us | Severn Trent Water
Further information: New drought support for farmers – Defra Farming Blog
How Newton LDP can help
Grant funding can provide valuable support for new equipment, environmental improvements, woodland projects and longer-term investment. However, the range of schemes and differing eligibility requirements can make it difficult to determine which opportunities are suitable for a particular farm, estate or rural business.
Early planning is important. Some schemes have limited application windows or budgets, while others require supporting evidence, professional input or preparatory work before an application can be submitted.
Our Rural & Agribusiness team can help you:
- identify funding opportunities that may be relevant to your plans;
- understand the eligibility criteria and scheme requirements;
- assess how a proposed project could fit within the available funding;
- prepare applications and the required supporting information; and
- consider grant funding as part of your wider business and property plans.
If you are considering a project or investing in new equipment, please contact our Rural & Agribusiness team to discuss how we may be able to help.
The information above is intended as a general guide and was correct at the date of publication. Funding availability, application dates and eligibility requirements may change. The relevant scheme guidance should be reviewed before making an application.
For further information, please contact:
Charlotee Gore - Director, Agribusiness
charlotte.gore@newtonldp.com
07539 151053
Louise Duffin - Associate Director, Rural
louise.duffin@newtonldp.com
07508 499059