Defra has announced that from 11th March it has stopped accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. Details of a revised SFI scheme will be announced in summer 2025, with a budget to be confirmed in the Spending Review. Defra will continue to engage closely with stakeholders while the scheme is reviewed to ensure the process is transparent.
So what does this mean for you?
If you have an SFI agreement – Nothing changes. You will continue to receive payments as normal under the terms of your agreement.
If you’ve been offered an agreement but haven’t yet accepted – You need to accept your SFI agreement offer within 10 working days of it being offered (as explained in the agreement offer letter).
If you submitted an SFI application but have not yet received an offer – You will be offered an agreement, provided your application is eligible.
If you started an SFI application but did not submit it before applications closed – You will not be able to submit your application.
If you have an SFI Pilot agreement – You will be able to apply when your pilot agreement ends.
If your SFI Pilot agreement has ended – If you were in the Pilot and your agreement has ended already but you haven’t submitted an application for the expanded SFI offer yet, you will be able to apply.
Further help & advice
If you have any concerns about how this affects you or would like to discuss your options, please contact our Stewardship & Grants team on 01981590514.
