Rural Payments Agency

The widow of Warwickshire farmer Rocky Poulson who ended his life four days after a farm inspection said only 'slight changes' have been made and a more 'compassionate approach' was needed

RPA says funds along with scheme payments will 'release a further £401 million’ into the rural economy

Defra raises grant to £75,000 in bid to help struggling sector

Secretary of State says funds will be added to coming year's budget

The regulations in England will include a two metre ‘buffer strip' from the centre of hedgerows with no cultivation or application of pesticides or fertilisers, as well as hedge cutting ban between March 1 and August 31

More than 1,300 members of the Public and Commercial Services union, including staff from Defra, RPA and Marine Management Organisation have called for a pilot scheme to analyse the benefits of a four day week on wellbeing and productivity

Rural Payments Agency said 97 per cent of applicants had recieved their share of £525m

First applicants receive SFI 23 cash within month of joining scheme