AKC Blog - Read the Latest News from the Agriculture & Farming World

BPS delinking and lump sum payment update

Basic Payment Scheme - Lump sum payment & exit plus delinking

May 2021

A consultation has been released on the governments proposals for delinking the basic payment scheme and also for taking a lump sum and exiting out of the industry.

If you would like to provide views on the proposals complete the survey here

In summary: Delinking

Direct payments phased out 2021 – 2027

Delink from 2024. After this payments based on a reference period for 2024 - 2027. Reference period likely to be 2018 – 2020.

Progressive reductions will be made to this reference amount. There will be…

What is currently on offer to support Woodland Creation?

Considerations for woodland planting

February 2021

Are you thinking about planting some new woodland?

We outline some aspects for consideration and the options currently available here:

What size of woodland will you create? For an area greater than 3 hectares but less than 10 hectares:

Woodland grants within Countryside Stewardship can offer one off grants to support the preparation of a Woodland Management Plan and planting.

1. Apply for a Woodland Management Planning grant.

This will provide a flat rate payment of £1,000 towards the cost of preparing a 10 year woodland management plan which meets UK Forestry Standards. This plan will help with the design of the scheme,…

Agricultural Policy Plans for England update

Insight to agricultural policy - what we currently know

October 2020

Direct payment (BPS) transition Payment deductions start 2021

Known deduction rate for 2021

No detail on how the payment deductions will be set between 2022 and 2027 (assume flat rate)

No payments from 2028 (final payment 2027)

Delinking of payments

Potentially delinked in 2022

…

Chancellor announces £1000 job retention bonus

Introduction of Job Retention Bonus

July 2020

Today the Chancellor announced the introduction of the Job Retention Bonus

This is a one-off payment of £1,000 to employers that have used the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme (CJRS) for each furloughed employee who remains continuously employed until 31‌‌‌ ‌January 2021. The bonus will provide additional support to retain employees.

To be eligible, employees will need to:

earn at least £520 per month (above the Lower Earnings Limit) on average for November,… Read More

Summer Update

June 2020

Key Dates & Environmental Schemes: Basic Payment Scheme Dates: EFA Fallow retain until 30th June Catch Crops establish by 20th August and retain until 14th October Cover Crops establish by 1st Oct and retain until 15th January Countryside Stewardship:

Mid -Tier…

AKC Update - Government support for UK businesses during COVID-19 disruption

March 2020

Government support for UK businesses during COVID-19 disruption:

You may be aware that the Government has announced a number of measures to support Businesses through the current Covid-19 disruption to the economy. Additional support is being reviewed and updated as the situation evolves. Some of the measures are targeted at sectors which have been more severely affected to date whilst others are more widely accessible.

Further information can be found and is constantly updated at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19/covid-19-…

AKC COVID-19 Coronavirus Measures

March 2020

COVID-19 Coronavirus Measures

Dear clients, contacts and friends,

We want to give an update to everyone about the measures we are taking concerning COVID-19 and service continuity. The health and safety of our team, clients and contacts is always paramount to us, particularly now. In line with Government advice all members of the AKC team who are able to are moving to working from home. They have access to all our systems necessary and can be contacted on the usual telephone numbers meaning that there will be very little disruption in providing services to you. This includes the Payroll which will…

Current Grant Opportunities

December 2019

There are a number of current grant opportunities for farms and rural businesses. See a list below.

If you would like to discuss any of these in more detail please contact us.

Countryside Stewardship:

Water capital grant (max £10,000) – application window opens mid-February and closes July. Agreement start dates 1st January 2020.

2 year agreement

High priority areas only

Approval required by Natural England Catchment Sensitive…

Opportunites for planting woodland and hedgerows

MoreWoods Tree Planting and Hedge Grants & Opportunities For NFU Members To Plant Trees

October 2019

MoreWoods Tree Planting and Hedges Grants Now Open

MoreWoods from the Woodland Trust is open for applications for Tree and Hedge Planting Grants.

The criteria for the tree planting is a minimum area of 0.5ha (1.24ac) with a range of species which a Woodland Adviser will help with dependent on your geographical area.

The hedge planting requires at least 100m of hedge to be planted with a mature tree planted every 6m, The hedge species should include, Field Maple, Crab Apple, Dogwood, Dog Rose, Blackthorn, Elder and Hawthorn. The…

Small Grant Scheme Released & Waste Exemption Renewal

July 2019

Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme - Round 2

A second round of the RDPE Countryside productivity small grant scheme has been released this week. Grants are available for between £3,000 and £12,000 for items identified to improve technical efficiency, animal health and welfare, resource efficiency and nutrient management.

Applications must be submitted before 3rd September.

Items available include:

Mobile and fixed cattle handling systems Badger proof feed troughs and lick holders Auto cattle weighing and identifying equipment Mobile and fixed sheep handling systems Cameras for monitoring livestock UV water treatment system… Read More

Latest News

Latest News

Sign Up to Our Email Newsletter