Severn Trent is issuing a final application call for its latest round of STEPS funding, which closes on 31 January.
The 2022/23 STEPS offering provides financial support to producers wanting to enhance productivity while improving water quality, with up to £30,000 on offer in priority catchment areas.
The key changes for the 2022 scheme include:
- Pesticide priority catchments –
- 50% funding up to £20,000 is available on sprayer washdown areas, on the basis they are built in under six months, with an additional 25% funding available, up to £30,000. This option is for new applicants only, however farmers already with a sprayer washdown area, can apply for free rainwater harvesting kit
- Nitrate priority catchments –
- Arable margins and cover crop payments are now the same as Countryside Stewardship
- 50% funding up to £10,000 for innovation options such as direct drilling cover crops now available
- Cryptosporidium priority catchments –
- Watercourse fencing is now being offered at 75% of the cost, and full payment is on offer for ‘complementary items’ providing new access to water e.g. drinking troughs.
Catchment concerns
Dr Alex Cooke, principal catchment scientist at Severn Trent, says the company has identified three key concerns in its priority catchments and is urging farmers to pursue funded options that prevent pesticides, nitrates or cryptosporidium reaching watercourses.
“For eligible recipients, funding has doubled from £5000 up to £10,000 across the board. But in catchments where pesticide reduction is a priority, farmers can now apply for up to £30,000 for washdown and disposal areas, and there is also up to 75% funding for watercourse fencing in nitrate catchments,” says Alex.
She adds that the match funding is available to all types of farms, for a wide range of infrastructure and land management improvements.
“For example, we’ve seen the grants being put towards cover crops, pesticide biofilters, arable margins and equipment for rainwater harvesting. We hope that this added flexibility will encourage more famers to work in close collaboration with us and apply for grants before the cut-off date of 31 January.”
How to apply for STEPS:
- Check you’re in a priority catchment here: www.stwater.co.uk/steps
- To increase your chances of a successful application, seek advice from your local Severn Trent agricultural adviser on what options would best suit your farm and make the greatest positive impact on the environment
- Fill out your application online: www.stwater.co.uk/steps
- Make sure your application is in by 31 January 2023, bearing in mind that you will have 12 months to complete the work after you have been accepted
