Voluntary Lump Sum Exit Scheme open for applications
16th Apr 2022 / By Alistair Driver
The voluntary Lump Sum Exit Scheme is now open for applications to recipients of direct payments in England.
While this could be of interest to some pig farmers in the current climate, the eligibility requirements, linked to the Basic Payment Scheme, will exclude many from the sector.
As set out in the government’s Agricultural Transition Plan 2021 – 2024, Defra is offering farmers who wish to leave the industry the option of taking a lump sum payment.
Once they have received a lump sum, they won’t be eligible for any further Direct Payments (Basic Payment Scheme payments or delinked payments) in England.
How to apply
Farmers will be able to apply up to and including 30 September 2022. Applicants then have until May 31, 2024 to transfer out their agricultural land where required.
More information on how the scheme will work can be found at www.gov.uk/rpa/lump-sum-exit-
Alongside the Lump Sum Exit Scheme, Defra said it wants to support new entrants coming into the industry, and will be providing more details on that later this year.