Extending the Countryside Stewardship Scheme: What You Need to Know for Expiring Agreements

As the end of 2025 approaches, many farmers and landowners face the expiration of their agreements under the Countryside Stewardship scheme—with the prospect of no new scheme to enter into. This follows the suspension of the Sustainable Farming Incentive Scheme earlier in 2025 and no announcement to date on the next iteration of the scheme. This will mean a loss of funding for over 5,000 agreement holders.

Why the Extension Matters

The extension of the Countryside Stewardship scheme is crucial as many participants' agreements are set to expire on December 31, 2025. DEFRA have now announced that any agreement holder with one of these expiring agreements, will be offered a fixed one year extension to their current agreement. This extension allows current agreement holders to continue implementing their vital conservation work without a gap in funding.

What happens if you accept the extension?

Continued Financial Support

One immediate benefit is ongoing financial support, lasting until 31st December 2026.

Terms of the extension

• If you decide to accept the agreement extension, the agreement will continue under the same rules, terms and conditions. You will not be able to add or remove any options, capital items of land to your existing agreement.

• Any capital works that have not been completed during the course of the existing agreement will be removed.

• Any options or supplements that last less than the 5 year term will not be available for extension.

How to Accept the Extension

For existing participants, the first step is to thoroughly review your current agreement. Understand the specific obligations you have met and whether you are happy to continue with these options for a further year.

The RPA will contact all agreement holders within the next few weeks if they have an expiring agreement to offer an extension.

If you believe you have an expiring agreement and you do not receive an email prior to 6th November, do first check your junk mail, and then contact the RPA.

If you wish to extend, reply to the email invitation direct within the timeframes set out in your email.

If you would like any further assistance in deciding if you would like to continue with your Countryside Stewardship Agreement or you would like our assistance with the acceptance of an extension please contact Gemma on 07533340847 or gemma@blackdownconsulting.co.uk

Countryside Stewardship options such as arable margins can continue under the extensions