Defra publishes guidance on applying for Lump Sum Exit Scheme

Article summary

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance for English farmers wishing to apply for the Lump Sum Exit Scheme (LSES). The guidance states that in order to be eligible, farmers must have either claimed or been eligible for Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments in the 2018 scheme year or in an earlier year, inherited agricultural land in England or succeeded to an Agricultural Holdings Act 1986 tenancy after 15 May 2018. The guidance further details how and when the land should be transferred out, how the lump sum is calculated, and applying for BPS in 2022 and 2023 in addition to the LSES. A timetable with key dates for the LSES is also included.