Farmers can apply for grazing relief amid dry conditions
© Tim Scrivener Farmers in England facing forage shortages this summer can now apply for temporary adjustments to Countryside Stewardship and Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) grazing rules.
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will consider derogations case-by-case to ease pressure caused by severe local droughts across parts of the UK.
Livestock farmers can apply via the SFI query form (PDF) or the Countryside Stewardship Minor and Temporary Adjustment (MTA) form (PDF).
See also: Appeals to Defra for grazing derogation as drought bites
Applications can also be made by emailing ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk or writing to Rural Payments Agency, PO Box 352, Worksop S80 9FG. For further help, call 03000 200 301.
National Sheep Association (NSA) policy manager Michael Priestley highlighted that early spring growth and current dry spells have led to unprecedented forage challenges, forcing some farmers to wean lambs early or sell them as stores.
NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said that flexibility is vital to protect animal welfare and farm viability, while maintaining environmental goals.
David Barton, NFU Livestock Board chairman, previously called for urgent Defra action, describing the drought as a “one-in-100-year event”.