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
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 was decided to offer a fourth one-year Capital Grant Scheme in 2010/11. This was similar to the 2009/10 scheme in the items supported, but there were some changes in the application and administration process. These included a change in the funding stream to the EU-supported Rural Development Plan for England, and the transfer of some inspection duties from Natural England to the Rural Payment Agency. Changes to the funding mechanism allowed £7.5 million in Capital Grants to be awarded, a 50% increase on previous years' funding.
The window for applications for the 2010/11 Capital Grants Scheme closed on 30 April 2010. Most farmers have already been informed of the outcome of their applications, and the remainder will be notified by 9 July.
Any news about arrangements for 2011/12 will be posted on this page.
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
