Defra has announced that at least £50 million will be available for new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreements this year, alongside a significant change that will allow more farmers to express an interest in the scheme without waiting for an invitation.
For many farm businesses, this represents a welcome step towards making environmental funding more accessible and reducing one of the biggest barriers that previously prevented farmers from applying.
While this is undoubtedly positive news, it's also worth looking beyond the headline to understand what these changes really mean for British farming.
What's Changing?
Since the scheme launched in 2025, only invited farmers could apply. That invitation only requirement is now being removed. Eligible farmers will soon be able to submit an Expression of Interest covering woodland management, agroforestry, species-rich grassland and scheduled monument management. Defra also plans to trial Higher Tier on common land and increase payments for some moorland and rough grazing options.
The £50 Million Question
Defra says at least £50 million will be available for new Higher Tier agreements during 2026. However, Natural England will continue to prioritise farmers whose existing agreements are ending and those who have already completed preparatory work. While more farmers can now express an interest, funding remains targeted rather than open to everyone.
Why This Is Good News
Removing unnecessary barriers is a positive step. Giving farmers the opportunity to express an interest without waiting for an invitation creates greater transparency and gives more businesses the chance to explore funding that could benefit both their farms and the environment.
What It Means for British Farming
Environmental payments have become increasingly important for many farming businesses. Opening access to Higher Tier creates more opportunities to invest in biodiversity, habitat creation and sustainable land management while generating an additional income stream.
Good News, But Not a Complete Solution
This announcement does not solve wider issues including production costs, profitability, food security, labor shortages and long-term policy certainty. Environmental funding is important, but thriving farms also need confidence to continue producing high-quality British food.
Our View
At Support British Farmers, we believe this is good news. Making schemes simpler and more accessible is a sensible decision. However, environmental funding should sit alongside profitable food production, not replace it. We see this announcement as progress rather than the finished article: A positive step in the right direction, but there is still work to do.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts
Every farm is different. Some will welcome these changes, while others may feel they do not go far enough. We aim to share balanced farming news and encourage respectful discussion. We'd love to hear your views.
🚜 At a Glance
The Good
• £50 million available for new Higher Tier agreements.
• No invitation needed to express an interest.
• Greater access to environmental funding.
The Challenges
• Funding remains prioritised.
• Wider farming pressures remain.
• Environmental funding is only one part of supporting British farming.
Our Verdict
A positive step in the right direction but not the finished article.
Learn More
Official Defra announcement:
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/02/rolling-out-countryside-stewardship-higher-tier/
Source:
https://www.fwi.co.uk/business/business-management/agricultural-transition/defra-drops-higher-tier-cs-invite-only-rule
Support British Farmers Editorial Note
At Support British Farmers, our mission is to celebrate British farming, champion rural communities and support the people who produce some of the world's highest quality food and countryside products.
Our news articles aim to present factual information alongside balanced commentary from the Support British Farmers team. While 'Our View' section reflects our opinions, we recognise farming is a diverse industry with many perspectives.
We encourage respectful discussion and welcome constructive debate. By sharing knowledge, experiences and ideas, we believe we can help strengthen British agriculture and build a more informed community that proudly supports British farmers.
Published: 3 July 2026
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