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New analysis shows hill farmers are only receiving 8% or £39m of the Government's new farming support scheme, the Sustainable Farming Incentive, despite the uplands occupying ‘around 15% of England's area'

The NFU has expressed ‘extreme concern' to reports the scheme is now unlikely to open until mid-2025

"Family farms are at the heart of a thriving rural economy, and farming plays a crucial role in delivering on priorities like nature recovery, climate mitigation, and clean water"

Graham Redman, partner at agribusiness consultants The Andersons Centre said the business aspect of farming was pressing on the farming community ‘even more so than ever before', and he urged farmers to look beyond the headline figures on Government environmental schemes, which he said could look appealing but came with ‘obligations' and ‘costs'

TFA chief executive George Dunn said he believes farmers should be encouraged to consider what investment they need in their businesses over a three-year period and then use those plans to apply for a level of annual grant to support those goals

Former Liberal Democrat Leader and candidate for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron has slammed the Tory and Labour attitude to farming in his opinion piece for Íæż½ã½ã

The selected projects will now begin their two-year development phase to finalise arrangements

Applications for the SFI scheme are expected to open for applications in the coming weeks

Public urged to support pollinators during Bees Needs Week