Farm Subsidies: England vs Wales vs Scotland
Each UK nation runs its own agricultural subsidy scheme. Here's how they compare.
Overview
England | Wales | Scotland | |
Main scheme | SFI + Countryside Stewardship | Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) | AECS + Forestry Grant Scheme |
Actions available | 549 | 11 | 49 |
Application | Online via RPA | Online via RPW | Online via RPID |
Stacking | Yes, multiple SFI actions per parcel | TBC - scheme launching | Limited |
England: SFI & Countryside Stewardship
England has the most developed scheme with 549 individual actions across:
SFI (387 actions): Self-service, no agreement needed, wide eligibility
CS Higher Tier (139 actions): Requires Natural England agreement, higher payments
CS Mid Tier (17 actions): Mid-level complexity
CS Mid/Higher (4 actions): Available in both tiers
Wales: Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS)
The Welsh SFS is newer with 11 Universal Actions (UA1-UA12, some merged). All farmers receiving BPS must complete Universal Actions. Key features:
Universal Actions are mandatory for BPS recipients
Optional actions layer being developed
Focus on carbon, biodiversity, water quality
Scotland: AECS & Forestry Grant Scheme
Scotland offers 49 AECS management options plus the Forestry Grant Scheme. Key features:
Competitive application process
5-year agreements
Focus on biodiversity, climate, water
FGS covers woodland creation and management