Extension of 2021 Countryside Stewardship Agreements Confirmed

This move provides much-needed stability for land managers and farmers whose existing five-year agreements are due to end this December.

The extension aims to maintain environmental delivery while work continues on the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 offer, which will bring together and build upon current agri-environment schemes.

Why The Extension Matters

Over 5,000 Mid-Tier agreement holders will be eligible for this one-year extension, with all existing terms, rules and conditions remaining unchanged. This ensures continuity of environmental management — from habitat creation and water quality improvements to soil health measures — without interruption.

Crucially, the extension helps protect the environmental progress made to date, while also offering income security at a time when farm businesses are facing economic pressures and uncertainty over the transition to future support schemes.

DEFRA’s decision provides breathing space, allowing both farmers and policymakers to align the next generation of environmental land management agreements with practical realities on the ground.

Key Details to Note:

• The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will contact eligible agreement holders in the coming weeks with extension offers.
• To secure the extension, recipients must accept the offer — those who do not respond will see their agreements end in December 2025.
• No new options or capital items can be added, removed or changed as part of the extension.
• Any capital works not completed and paid for by the start of the extension period will be removed.
• Options or supplements lasting fewer than five years are not eligible for extension.
• If you haven’t heard from RPA by 6 November, DEFRA advises getting in touch.

A Practical Step Forward

This is a pragmatic decision that safeguards both environmental outcomes and business resilience during a key transition phase for agri-environment policy.

While it’s a temporary measure, it gives land managers time to plan their next steps towards SFI 2026 or the forthcoming Higher Tier offer, ensuring their environmental ambitions and business goals remain aligned.