Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what Rural Payments Schemes are available to (a) farmers and (b) rural businesses in the next financial year; and how much has been paid out under those schemes in this financial year.

Defra operates a page on gov.uk, “Funding for farmers, growers and land managers” ( https://www.gov.uk/guidance/funding-for-farmers ). This page advises about grants and other funding currently open or opening soon and includes links to the relevant scheme or grant webpage.

The farming blog published on Wednesday 12th March set out Defra’s spend for 24/25 and 25/26 split across the Farming and Countryside Programme schemes.

Defra manages the farming budget flexibly to respond to demand, and achieve our intended outcomes for farm productivity, environment, climate and animal health and welfare.

In line with its obligations under the Agriculture Act 2020, Defra regularly publishes an annual report, setting out commitments in the previous financial year.

Separately, the Rural England Prosperity Fund funds capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure in rural areas. The REPF provided £110 million of funding to eligible local authorities between 2023 and 2025. Additional funding of up to £33 million will be available in 2025/26.