Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Supporting more productive and sustainable farming 🌱

Today we published the near-final guidance, actions and application information for our Sustainable Farming Incentive, to help farmers understand what’s available through the offer and how to apply.

The updated offer is designed to support more productive and sustainable farming, and has been simplified with fewer, clearer actions, fairer funding and a stronger focus on helping more farms take part.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle recently visited the Royal Bath & West Show, where she spoke with farmers about how the scheme can support the sector.

Interested in applying? Check your eligibility, read the guidance carefully and take steps now to prepare for applications opening: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26

The Mersey Valley Way is now open 🙌

This river walk is a brilliant example of how improving access and better signage can help people feel confident exploring nature, while supporting nature recovery.

This is all part of our wider river walks scheme, bringing nature back to local communities.

£30m to create and restore wildlife-rich habitats across England’s National Parks and National Landscapes 🌿

This new funding could benefit hedgehogs, bees, butterflies and more!

Find out more: gov.uk/government/news/wildlife-habitat-in-most-cherished-landscapes-set-to-be-restored

Thinking of taking a dip? Our Chief Scientist Anjali Goswami reveals her top tips.

There are now 13 newly designated bathing water sites across the country, taking the total to over 460.

Designation means that a site will be rigorously monitored by the Environment Agency, allowing you to make informed choices before you swim.

Find more guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/swim-healthy-leaflet/swim-healthy

Our Clean Water Bill is the next step to delivering the lasting change the water sector needs.

Learn more about how we’re protecting customers and the environment 👇

Travelling this May half term?

Remember you cannot bring meat or dairy products into Great Britain from the EU.
This includes items like
Cheese🧀
Cured Meats🥓
Milk products🥛

Our personal import rules are there to protect animals and the environment from serious disease outbreaks such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever
Check the rules before you travel. ✈️

We’re closing the loopholes that let rogue operators dump waste illegally.

New reforms mean waste handlers must pass enhanced background checks to get a permit, while those caught mishandling waste risk up to five years in prison.

Find out more: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-reforms-to-stop-waste-criminals-from-exploiting-loopholes

From the show ring to the boardroom – join Secretary of State, Emma Reynolds, for the day in Northern Ireland:
🚢 down at Belfast Harbour with businesses
🚜visiting the Balmoral Agricultural Show meeting farmers and growers
🤝in the room with colleagues and stakeholders making sure Northern Ireland's voice shapes the new UK-EU food and drink deal.

The new UK-EU food and drink deal will remove the vast majority of checks on goods moving between GB and NI, meaning less paperwork, lower costs, and better choice and value on the shelves for families.