51AVÊÓÆµ

HSBC to offer discounted loan fees for sustainable farming

The banking organisation has launched its 'Sustainable Farming Pathway' with the farming charity, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF)

Rachael Brown
clock • 1 min read
HSBC to offer discounted loan fees for sustainable farming

Farming businesses on 'the journey to more sustainable practices' can now receive discounts on loan fees, as part of a new HSBC UK initiative.

HSBC UK has launched its 'Sustainable Farming Pathway' with the farming charity, Linking Environment and Farming (LEAF) as its first partner on the scheme.

READ ALSO: Defra £130 million underspend of agriculture budget a 'kick in the teeth'

Farming businesses with the LEAF marque certification, or those that complete a LEAF Sustainable Farming Review, will be eligible for discounted loan arrangement fees on term lending amounts from £25,001. Lending in scope includes flexible business loans, commercial mortgages and property development loans.

Sustainable Farming

Martin Hanson, head of agricultural banking at HSBC UK said it was a 'significant lender' to farms in the UK.Ìý

"Our research shows around two-thirds (70%) of farms are currently making commitments to transition to sustainable practices. By working with LEAF and future partners, we have the opportunity to directly support farmers who want to make sustainable choices."

READ ALSO: Rural and farming communities could face choice between 'eating or heating' this winter due to fuel support cuts

The bank found that more than two-thirds (70%) of UK farms are engaged in agri-environment schemes to support nature and biodiversity enhancements. ÌýÌý

Environmental schemes

Phillip Wynn chair of the board of trustees at LEAF said: "As the first bank to offer discounted loan fees to farms certified to the LEAF Marque standard,ÌýHSBCÌýUK is harnessing its role as a key lender in the UK agriculture sector to support environmental practices through our accredited management standard."ÌýÌý

Ìý

Ìý

More on 51AVÊÓÆµBusiness

UFU takes farm cost crisis to government

UFU takes farm cost crisis to government

The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) is intensifying its political engagement at both Stormont and Westminster today (April 13), as pressures mount on farm businesses due to rising fuel, fertiliser and input costs

clock 13 April 2026 • 2 min read
M&S announces £2.1bn investment in British farming

M&S announces £2.1bn investment in British farming

Retailer unveils new 10-year contract deal for beef and lamb producers to secure high-quality produce and boost farmer confidence

clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
Concern over native breed support after register rethink

Concern over native breed support after register rethink

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) calls on Gov to safeguard payments for farmers

clock 09 April 2026 • 1 min read