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Scottish EFA Codes & Actions

The Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) Guidance page provides clear information on the requirements, options, and actions farmers must follow to comply with the Scottish EFA scheme. As part of the wider Greening rules, EFAs are designed to enhance biodiversity, protect natural resources, and promote environmentally responsible farming. Farmers with eligible arable land are required to dedicate a proportion of it to EFAs, which may include hedges, buffer strips, fallow land, catch crops, or nitrogen-fixing crops. This page outlines the different EFA options, their qualifying criteria, and practical steps for compliance, helping you meet your obligations while supporting sustainable land management in Scotland.

The information provided is given in good faith and is a guide only. Compliance to any legislation is the responsibility of the buyer and we accept no liability for non-compliance. 

Last Updated: 03/10/2025

Actions

EFA Code: EFAFAL

Weighting: 1

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

To provide a biodiverse habitat to benefit pollinators, birds and soils. The ground cover must be one of 4 mixes:

  • A Diverse mix Temporary Grassland - containing at least 3 flowering species.
  • A Wild flower mixture - must be a mix of species.
  • A Wild bird seed mixture - must include 2 species from guidance list.
  • A Soil condition crop - a mix or single stand of phacelia, mustard, chicory or plantain.

A list of compliant species list can be found in the Scottish Governments full guidance: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance-2026/efa-ecological-focus-areas/

Additional Notes

  • Covers can be established during the Fallow period, if not created the year prior
  • No crop production or grazing on it from 15th January to 15th July inclusive.

DLF Options

 

EFA Code: EFAM

Weighting: 1.5

Land Eligibility: Must be; on, adjacent to, or within 5 metres of arable land or contiguous to a claimed EFA option.

Action Aims & Guidance

To provide and support a habitat for farmland biodiversity, wildlife and ecological networks as well as benefiting water quality. 

Must establish a ground cover of one of the following 3 mixes:

  • A Wildflower mix
  • A Wild bird seed mix
  • A diverse grass sward - containing pollen bearing plants.

A list of compliant species list can be found in the Scottish Governments full guidance: https://www.ruralpayments.org/topics/all-schemes/basic-payment-scheme/basic-payment-scheme-full-guidance/greening---bps/greening-guidance-2026/efa-ecological-focus-areas/

Additional Notes

  • Field margin must be between 3m and 20m wide.
  • Must be clearly identifiable and distinguishable on the ground from 1st January to 31st December.
  • You must not cut or graze the margin before 15th July.

DLF Options

EFA Code: EFACC

Weighting: 0.3

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

To enhance and improve biodiversity, soil health and nitrogen fixation along with preventing soil erosion, nutrient leaching and protecting water courses.

  • A cereal undersown with a legume or diverse grass mix
  • Oilseed rape undersown with a legume mix
  • Maize undersown with a diverse grass mix
  • Beans sown in conjunction with barley or wheat.

Additional Notes

Catch crops must be maintained up to the 31st of December inclusive. It can be grazed after the harvest of the main crop.

DLF Options

  • Cereals -  Any Italian or Perennial grass sward containing both white and red clover or a straight small leaf white clover.
  • OSR – Straights of Berseem and Crimson Clover.
  • Maize - EFA Maize Undersowing mix

EFA Code: EFAGC

Weighting: 0.3

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

To enhance and improve biodiversity, soil health and fertility along with preventing soil erosion and nutrient leaching.

Establish a green cover consisting predominantly of two or more of the following crops; Lucerne, Barley, Alsike Clover, Balansa Clover, Crimson Clover, Red Clover, Persian Clover, White Clover, Buckwheat, Mustard, Oats, Phacelia, Radish, Rye, Triticale, Vetch, Kale, Forage Rape, Stubble Turnip, Beans.

Additional Notes

  • Establish the green cover by the 1st of November.
  • Maintain the green cover until 31st December inclusive.
  • Can be razed before the 31st of December.

DLF Options

  • Rapid Root
  • Winter Graze
  • N-Rich
  • N-Liven
  • Red & White Clover Blend
  • Over Winter Green Cover Mixtures

EFA Code: EFA-NFIX

Weighting: 1

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

To improve and enrich soil fertility, biodiversity and nitrogen fixation.

Establish a minimum of 2 separate nitrogen fixing crops from the following list either as single stands or mixes; Lucerne, beans, Birdsfoot trefoil, chickpea, alsike clover, balansa clover, berseem clover, red clover, sweet clover, white clover, fenugreek, lentil, lupin, peas, vetch.

A mix of legumes as a nitrogen fixing crop will only count as one crop and you will still need another single stand or mix.

Additional Notes

  • Can be harvested before the 1st of August.
  • Crops must be surrounded by an EFA Margin.
  • You can apply both herbicides and fungicides.

DLF Options

  • Red Clover
  • White Clover
  • Alsike Clover
  • Vetch
  • Lucerne

EFA Code: EFAHLRP

Weighting: 1.5

Land Eligibility: Must be claimed as arable land (including TGRS) in 2025 or later.

Action Aims & Guidance

To improve soil health, habitat conditions for pollinating insects, wild birds and small mammals and can improve livestock health and performance.

Attain & maintain a diverse species grass mix, containing at least 3 different herbs or legumes (must include at least 1 legume) by either overseeding or reseeding.

Additional Notes

  • Must be maintained until at least 31st December.
  • Pasture must be in place by 1st July in the year of establishment.
  • You can apply organic fertiliser, lime and P & K fertilisers but not inorganic Nitrogen.
  • Only spot herbicide application allowed.

DLF Options

How to Apply for Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) in Scotland

Applying for the Ecological Focus Areas (EFA) is a straightforward process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Check Your Eligibility

EFA applies if you have more than 15 hectares of arable land within Scotland. Some exemptions exist (e.g., if most of your arable land is grass, fallow, or leguminous crops).

2. Review EFA Requirements

You must dedicate at least 5% of your arable land as EFA. Options include: Fallow land, Buffer strips and field margins, Hedges and ditches (subject to measurement rules), Catch and cover crops, Nitrogen-fixing crops. Make sure to calculate your EFA requirements by using the official EFA weighting factors (since not all features count equally). For example: 1 metre of hedge may count more than 1 metre of buffer strip.The Scottish Government provides an EFA calculator in the online application system.

3. Prepare & Submit Your Declaration

Complete your Single Application Form (SAF) via Rural Payments and Services (the online portal). Enter your chosen EFA options, field locations, and measurements. Submit by the annual deadline (usually 15 May, though exact dates may change each year).

4. Stay Compliant & Keep Supporting Evidence:

Maps and measurements of hedges, ditches, margins, or fallow plots. Crop records for catch crops or nitrogen-fixing crops. Photographs may also be requested for verification. You must maintain your declared EFA features for the required period (e.g., fallow must stay uncropped for a minimum length of time). Inspections may take place, so make sure all features are accurately declared and visible on the ground.

5. Recieve Your Greening Payment

Once your SAF (including your EFA) is approved and verified, the greening payment is included with your Basic Payment Scheme (BPS).

Government EFA Guidance