The Single Payment Scheme
The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) was introduced in 2003 as part of the Common Agricultural Policy reform and is now the European Union's main agricultural subsidy scheme. The scheme is administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA). An introduction to the scheme can be found on the Business Link website. You can call the RPA Single Payment Scheme Helpline 0845 603 7777
Natural England Grants
Environmental Stewardship is an agri-environment scheme that provides funding to farmers and other land managers in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land. There are three elements to Environmental Stewardship :
Entry Level Stewardship (ELS) provides a straightforward approach to supporting the good stewardship of the countryside. This is done through simple and effective land management that goes beyond the Single Payment Scheme requirement to maintain land in good agricultural and environmental condition. It is open to all farmers and landowners.
Organic Level Entry Stewardship (OELS) is geared to organic and organic/conventional mixed farming systems and is open to all farmers not receiving Organic Farming Scheme aid.
Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) involves more complex types of management, where land managers need advice and support, and agreements are tailored to local circumstances. HLS applications will be assessed against specific local targets and agreements will be offered where they meet these targets and represent good value for money.
Forestry Commisson Grants
The English Woodland Grant Scheme (EWGS) is the Forestry Commission's main scheme for providing financial support to woodland owners and mangers. Its primary objectives are to create and manage woodlands, to sustain and increase the delivery of public benefits.
Leader Grants
Grants of up to £50,000 to help revitalise and support rural businesses and rural communities are currently available from local "Leader Action Groups" - partnerships of local people and organisations working for the regeneration of the rural area.The action groups have secured the funding from the Rural Development Programme for England which is funded by Defra and the EU. In 2010 they have over £300,000 to award.For Rother and Wealden districts
www.warrpartnership.org.uk E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it T: 01424 787400
For Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling districts
www.westkentpartnership.org.uk E: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
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