SFI 2026 WINDOW 1 – CLOSING 28TH AUGUST OR EARLIER

Defra has confirmed that the first SFI26 application window will close no later than midnight on 28^th August 2026, or earlier if the budget is allocated before then.  Any remaining budget will be carried over to Window 2 when it opens in September and Defra says it will “confirm the date we expect to open applications for Window 2 once Window 1 has closed”.  The first application window was for smaller farms and those without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement.  The second application window will be for all farmers.  The RPA began to make SFI26 agreement offers to Window 1 applicants in July. Those farmers who accepted by 31 July were able to start their agreements on 1 August and can expect the first payments in month 4 of their agreement. Read more at SFI26: an update – Farming