Fergus Starkey
NFU Adviser (Support Schemes)Fergus works alongside Richard Wordsworth as a support scheme adviser, supporting with the delivery of our support scheme work in its four key themes:
- Development of scheme policies
- Implementation of scheme policies
- Assisting NFU members with scheme issues
- Educating and raising awareness of scheme issues with members.
We work on a number of schemes including the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive), Countryside Stewardship and various grants and competitions within the Farming Investment Fund including the Slurry Infrastructure Grant, Farming Equipment and Technology Fund and Improving Farm Productivity grants.
We also work on a number of wider issues including Delinked Payments, Hedgerow Regulations and represent members across a wide number of stakeholder forums.
Fergus is also responsible for the Rural England Prosperity Fund as well as Devolution policy considering its impact on rural communities. He works with regional colleagues to ensure rural voices are heard at a local government level.