The Sustainable Farming Incentive opened on 30th June for small farmers (3-50ha of agricultural land and those without existing ELM revenue agreements. As of 1st July, Defra reported that applications in just the first two days of the scheme opening amounted to 25% of the budget so farmers are advised to apply as soon as possible. SFI26 will open for all farmers from September and you can find out more at SFI26: Window 1 now open – Farming. This webpage includes:
- The recording of the SFI26 webinar that was held on 25th June
- A link to RPA’s How to Apply video which sets out how to apply for SFI26 online.
- An SFI26 cost benefit tool developed by AHDB.
- The Getting Started with SFI in 2026 leaflet
- How to Fix Common Problems document when applying for SFI26.
It also provides details about the situation of farmers in existing environmental agreements (see below).
The announcement about SFI also included information about the situation of farmers in existing environmental agreements which expire before the end of February 2027. The good news is that they should be able to apply in September when the scheme opens to all farmers rather than wait for their existing agreements to end. This is very welcome as there are concerns that the budget will be allocated very quickly once the scheme opens and it should allow new SFI agreements to start as soon as the old environmental agreement ends. For more details click on the announcement above.
