Speaking at the CLA conference this Thursday, Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds said:
“I recognise that mistakes were made earlier this year, and that’s why I acted quickly - extending Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier agreements and opening applications for the new and improved Higher-Tier offer.”
She went onto say about SFI that:“ I’m now considering how to change the scheme so that it better supports sustainable farming and drives growth. The changes we are considering will be an evolution not a revolution – because I know you need stability. We’ll introduce improved budgetary controls to help money reach more farmers and focus on the most impactful actions to benefit the environment and which work alongside your business. Full scheme details – including the budget, timings, and eligibility criteria – will be published well ahead of launch, giving you time to plan.” When questioned by the new CLA President, Gavin Lane, she said that the SFI offer will be out in the first half of next year.
Editor’s note – we were supposed to have an announcement this Autumn about the next steps with SFI and I’m not sure what this statement actually means!
