The NAO report highlights the challenges Defra faces in developing ELMs.
The NFU recognises that significant challenges need to be overcome to successfully deliver SFI early rollout next year and develop the full ELM offer by 2024.
The delivery of the SFI is an important step in the development of ELM and its early rollout in 2022 is the first opportunity for all farmers to recoup BPS reductions.
Fair incentive
SFI needs to offer a fair incentive to farmers to cover the full costs of delivering public goods and secure high levels of uptake, and the level of ambition and accessibility to farmers will determine the success or failure of the scheme.