Natural England - England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI)
England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (ECSFDI)
This partnership between Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency aims to reduce the pollution of surface-water bodies caused by farming operations.
The Defra-funded initiative is part of the national response to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and will contribute towards achieving Natura 2000 objectives and the SSSI PSA target.
A network of expert advisers (Catchment Sensitive Farming Officers), operating in 50 priority catchments, are on hand to help farmers tackle the causes of harmful water pollution.
More information is available at England Catchment Sensitive Farming Delivery Initiative (Defra).
ECSFDI Capital Grants Scheme 2010/11
Capital Grant Schemes have previously been offered in 2007, 2008 and 2009 to support land managers in priority catchments in England by providing grant aid towards the improvement or installation of facilities that would benefit water quality by reducing diffuse pollution.
Due to continuing success and high demand from farmers, it has been decided to offer a fourth one-year Capital Grant Scheme in 2010/11. This will be similar to the 2009-10 scheme in the items supported, but there are significant changes in the application and administration process. These will include a different funding mechanism, and will transfer some inspection duties from Natural England to the Rural Payment Agency. The 2010/11 scheme will be open to farmers in the new and expanded priority catchments which were added in October 2008.
It is expected that changes to the funding mechanism will allow up to £7.5 million in Capital Grants to be awarded, a 50% increase on previous years funding.
The Capital Grants Scheme is now open and will close on 30th April 2010.
Detailed information on how to apply can be found on the Defra website.
Farm events
You can find out more about catchment sensitive farming by attending one of our free events. To find an event near you please click on the map below.
Events in the regions
