farmer shows pupils a wheat ear farmer shows pupils a wheat ear

Educational Access payments for farmers and land managers

We have been anticipating the roll out of ED1 Educational Access for the last year, as an option in SFI, which would enable more farmers to offer farm visits to schools. Currently, ED1 is only available to Mid-Tier and above agreement holders in Countryside Stewardship/existing HLS agreements.

Current available information [as of 19th February 2025] indicates that ED1 will become VED1 and a 3-year capital item rather than annual payment option. The payment rate remains the same, although the eligibility of groups visiting has broadened.

Indications are, from the gov.uk website, that CSHT opens in summer 2025 but we have no timescale for further release of information on VED1, or when it will be available to farmers under SFI or CSHT agreements.

Keep up to date on the Defra website or contact your Adviser or the RPA if you have specific questions on your agreement.  

ABOUT VED1 .Gov Link

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Educational Access (ED1) is said to be available ‘later this year' in SFI.