Defra announced on 25th March 2024, that area limits were being introduced to some SFI actions, with effect from 26th March 2024.
There are 6 actions which now have area limits on them, which has been introduced to protect and improve the environment, food production and food security.
The 6 limited area actions are:
- Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management – IGL1
- Winter bird food on improved grassland – IGL2
- Pollen and nectar flower mix – AHL1
- Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land – AHL2
- Grassy field corners and blocks - AHL3
- Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips – IPM2
From 26th March, the RPA are not going to accept applications where the amount of land in total that is entered into any combination of those 6 actions is above 25% of a farm’s total land.
The RPA state that:
“Taking more land than that out of production on any given holding is unlikely to benefit the environment or food production.
We were particularly keen to act on this before the traditional point at which farm tenancies are reviewed in September.”
The new approach does not apply to:
- Any SFI application that’s already been submitted.
- SFI agreements that have already been offered to applicants.
- Existing SFI agreements.
Read more at: Government ensures food production remains primary purpose of farming – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
