Introduction and updates

Date published: 31 August, 2023

For recent changes to this guidance, please see the bottom of the page.

This guidance is effective from 1 January, 2024.

This guidance provides details on the Greening elements of the Common Agricultural Policy and should be read in conjunction with the guidance for the Basic Payment Scheme and Cross Compliance.

Please ensure that you read all the relevant elements of this updated guidance (including the annexes) if you are intending to apply under the Basic Payment Scheme.

Scheme and other changes for 2024

  • EFA – Changes to the EFA Agroforesty option to include EFA Small or farm woodlands
  • Cross border businesses submitting a BPS / Greening claim for land in Scotland can only meet Greening requirements on land located and claimed in Scotland.
  • There are no longer Crop Diversification requirements as the two/three crop rules were removed from scheme year 2021 onward.

Section Change
Changes to EFAAF To include small or farm woodlands