The rules are largely the same as they were in 2015, with the exception of the following changes:
- Oilseed radish can now count (as part of a mix) as an EFA catch or cover crop in 2016.
- Some EFA features (buffer strips and hedges) can now be up to five metres away from the arable land, rather than needing to be immediately next to it.
- Clarification has been given on following one EFA land use after another in different years.
- In certain situations, there is the ability to find alternative EFA areas following submission of the claim form.
- There is an change to EFA fallow cultivation management in relation to grassland establishment.