Your Nottinghamshire county NFU update

Gabriella Gregory

Gabriella Gregory

HOLLAND (LINCS) & NOTTINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY ADVISER

The SPS agreement may reduce trade friction, but it must work for farm businesses on the ground.

For Nottinghamshire farmers, the proposed UK-EU SPS agreement is one of the most important policy developments to watch over the coming months.

While it has the potential to reduce red tape and improve access to European markets, it also raises serious questions about future regulation on farm.

Alignment with EU rules could affect areas such as plant protection products, animal health, veterinary medicines, organics and food standards - all of which matter directly to arable, livestock, dairy, poultry and mixed farming businesses across the county.

The NFU has been clear that any agreement must deliver practical benefits for farm businesses, not simply shift complexity from the border back onto farms.

Members need certainty, proportionate transition periods and clear guidance well before any changes take effect. For those who trade with Europe, reduced paperwork and fewer checks could be welcome. But for all producers, including those focused on the domestic market, it is vital that future rules are workable, science-based and do not undermine the competitiveness of British farming.

Local news

Severn Trent’s Environmental Protection Scheme (STEPS)

STEPS 2026 is here

Familiar to many farmers, land agents and estate owners across our region, STEPS is part of our Farming for Water catchment management programme.

STEPS provides practical funding and expert advice to help farmers make improvements that work for their farms and support local water quality.

Every farm is different, and STEPS is designed to help farmers identify the right action for the right farm. Like STEPS 2025, STEPS 2026 is based around 6 core objectives, all of which are designed to support your farm and benefit water quality. 

Last date for application will be 11 December 2026.

For more information about STEPS and to apply please use the link attached.

To find your catchment click here

Apply here

Surveys and questionnaires

Nottinghamshire Farmers Right of Way Survey

The Public Rights of Way team would like to know how we can improve our service to the farming community.

For more information and to take part please visit the link attached.

Start date

01 June 2026 at 12:00am

End date

01 June 2027 at 11:55pm

Take part

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RABI Return to School Grant 2026

As the new school year approaches, RABI is committed to helping thousands of school-aged children (4–16 years old) start September confident, equipped and ready to thrive. Grants of £200 per school-aged child (4–16 years old) are available, providing vital assistance to ease the financial burden and ensure every child has what they need to succeed.

To find out more visit the link attached.

Find out more