The Secretary State for Defra Emma Reynolds has said she's committed to delivering stability and would be looking at ways the SFI scheme could be altered to better support sustainable farming and drive growth.
Improved budgetary controls are also expected to help money reach more farmers and focus on the most impactful actions to benefit the environment and complement farming businesses.
To allow farmers much-needed time to plan, full scheme details – including the budget, timings, and eligibility criteria – are expected to be published well ahead of the launch. The offer should be available to apply for in the first half of next year.
“Farming is the key to a successful rural economy and SFI must be a part of delivering sustainable farming businesses and thriving nature.”
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
NFU Deputy President David Exwood responded to the news: “There were some encouraging signals from the Defra Secretary of State about clarity, certainty and the need to build confidence in SFI. The announcement that SFI will reopen in the first half of next year is welcome but further details can’t come soon enough for those farm businesses struggling to understand what Environmental Land Management schemes will mean for them in the future.
“Farming is the key to a successful rural economy and SFI must be a part of delivering sustainable farming businesses and thriving nature. We look forward to working with Defra to develop policies that will unlock the potential of UK agriculture and ensure farmers are rewarded for the public goods they deliver for the environment alongside producing food for 70 million consumers.”
Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier extensions
Earlier this year, the NFU secured a one-year extension to the CSMT (Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier) scheme, which was set to expire at the end of 2025.
Acknowledging the mistakes made, the Defra Secretary reiterated the call for eligible farmers to respond to Mid Tier extensions, with more than 2,000 yet to accept the offer. “I urge all those who have not yet responded to do so by the 27 November deadline,” she said.
Farmers are encouraged to accept the CSMT extension. Information on transferring schemes will be included in the reformed SFI scheme details.
The NFU is aware that the first CSHT (Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier) agreement is expected to go live in December.
Rural strategies
“The Batters Review and Environmental Improvement Plan will be published before Christmas, followed by the Land Use Framework, and Farming Roadmap early next year,” the Defra Secretary confirmed.
“These aren’t separate initiatives – they form a coherent strategy that gives rural communities a bright future.”
Ms Reynolds’s speech was heard earlier this week at the CLA conference.
