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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

The ground cover must be one of 4 mixes:

  • TGRS - A diverse grass sward containing at least 3 flowering species
  • A wildflower mixture - must be a mix of species
  • A wild bird seed mixture - must include 2 species from guidance list
  • Soil condition crop - a mix of single stand of phacelia, mustard, chicory or plantain.

Other Restrictions: No crop production or grazing on it from 15th January to 15th July inclusive.

DLF Options

 

EFA Code: EFAM

Weighting: 1.5

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

To establish a ground cover of one of the 3 mixes:

  • Wildflower mix
  • Wild bird seed mix
  • Diverse grass sward containing pollen bearing plants. Compliant species list in full guidance.

Other Restrictions: Field margin must be between 3m and 20m wide. Must be clearly identifiable and distingishable on the ground from 1st January to 31st December. You can 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

  • Cereal undersown with a legume or diverse grass mix
  • OSR undersown with a mix such as berseem & red clover
  • Maize undersown with diverse grass mix
  • Beans sown in conjuction with barley or wheat

Other Restrictions: Maintain the EFA catch crop up to 31st December inclusive. Can be grazed after the harvest of the main crop. Can't be taken as arable silage or whole crop. 

DLF Options

  • Over Winter Green Cover Ryegrass
  • Straights: Berseem & Red Clover
  • EFA Maize Undersowning Mix

EFA Code: EFAGC

Weighting: 0.3

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

Establish a cover crop consisting of two or more of the following crops, as the predominant 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 Turnips & Beans.

Other Restrictions: Establish a EFA Green Cover by the 1st November and maintain the cover up to the 31st December inclusive. Can be grazed. 

DLF Options

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

EFA Code: EFA-NFIX

Weighting: 1

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

Establish a minimum of 2 seperate nitrogen fixing crops either single stands or mixes. 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. List of eligible crops in full guidance.

Other Restrictions: Crops must be surrounded by a EFA margin. You can apply both herbicide and fungicides. 

DLF Options

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

EFA Code: EFAHLRP

Weighting: 1.5

Land Eligibility: Arable Land (Including TGRS)

Action Aims & Guidance

Attain & maintain species diversity in existing rotational grass swards by overseeding or reseeding with a diverse species grass mix, containing at least 3 different herbs or legumes (must include at least 1 legume).

Other Restrictions: Must be clearly identifiable and distingishable on the ground from 1st January to 31st December (in year of establishment it should be established by 1st July). No inorganic nitrogen fertiliser to be applied and 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