The much-anticipated scheme information for the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) 2026 offer was published on GOV.UK yesterday (2 June).
In what it refers to as ‘near-final’ information – intended to provide time to iron out any drafting issues – Defra announced key application timelines, with the first window anticipated from 30 June for small farms and farms with no existing ELMs (Environmental Land Management) revenue agreement.
The second window is still expected to open in September.
In its Farming Blog, Defra set out its intentions to test the application service by inviting a handful of eligible farmers to apply for the first window from mid-June.
Certainty for expiring agreement holders
“Farmers and growers with agreements expiring this year still need certainty that they can apply ahead of their agreements expiring and that there will be sufficient budget available to give them reasonable opportunity to continue with their existing environmental delivery on farm.”
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt
The NFU has always maintained that farmers and growers require clear scheme detail, allowing them to have the confidence and ability to invest and deliver the public goods the SFI scheme was originally intended to achieve. And while the NFU acknowledges the early sharing of the SFI26 guidance, it continues to push for budget transparency and to advocate for the large proportion of farmers with agreements set to expire at the end of the 26/27 financial year.
NFU Vice-president Robyn Munt said: “The NFU welcomes the news that Defra has now given clearer indication of the likely date for the opening of SFI26, which provides clarity for thousands of farm businesses in England. We will continue to examine the details now they have been published.
“However, the 28,000 farmers and growers with agreements expiring this year still need certainty that they can apply ahead of their agreements expiring and that there will be sufficient budget available to give them reasonable opportunity to continue with their existing environmental delivery on farm.”
NFU analysis
The NFU's support scheme advisers have given the guidance an initial review and updated information on the following pages:
- SFI – scheme guidance and information – detailed analysis of Defra's guidance
- Get ready to apply for SFI26 – four steps to take ahead of the first application window opening.
They will continue to work through the guidance and consult with Defra as it prepares the final guidance, expected in the coming weeks.
