The Government has announced that Countryside Stewardship (CS) Mid Tier agreements due to end in December 2025 will be eligible for a one-year extension, allowing existing participants to continue their environmental management work until the end of 2026.

This development will provide stability for thousands of farmers and land managers across England, maintaining environmental outcomes and income streams while the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) continues to evolve as the long-term replacement for Countryside Stewardship.

Why the Extension Matters

Defra and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) are offering one-year extensions for eligible agreements that began in 2021 and were originally set to finish on 31 December 2025.

This move means:

• Farmers can maintain the environmental benefits already established on farm.
• Payments for environmental management will continue through 2026.
• Agreements can be extended without the need for new capital works or option changes.

Eligible agreement holders will be contacted directly by the RPA by email or post. Those wishing to accept the extension will need to respond by the deadline provided in their offer.

Key Points to Note

• Agreements will now run to 31 December 2026.
• Existing terms, conditions, and eligibility requirements must continue to be met.
• If the agreement includes Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Natural England consent will be required before any work continues.
• Capital items cannot be added or amended during the extension period.

What This Means for Farmers

For many businesses, this provides welcome continuity. It ensures that environmental activities such as habitat creation, buffer strip management, and nutrient protection can continue to deliver benefits while the new SFI framework is finalised.

This extension supports around 5,000 farms in England, helping maintain both the momentum and financial security of ongoing environmental delivery.

Our View

At Agrii, we welcome this announcement as a positive step that recognises the importance of continuity and confidence during the transition to the new SFI.

Our Environmental Services Team continues to work closely with customers to help them navigate scheme changes, review existing agreements, and plan future applications.

If you would like to discuss how this extension could affect your farm or your future environmental plans, please contact your Agrii Environmental Advisor.

Read the full government update on GOV.UK here:
[Countryside Stewardship (CS) Mid Tier: extensions for 2021 agreements – GOV.UK](https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside-stewardship-cs-mid-tier-extensions-for-2021-agreements)