Last night DEFRA announced that they will not be accepting new SFI applications. With SFI now joining Capital Grants on the list of funding awaiting review, and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier on an invitation only application basis – funding for farmers is looking thin on the ground as we move into spring. Those with an existing SFI agreement will continue to receive payment in full, as will those with pending applications, whilst farmers who are or were enrolled on the SFI Pilot scheme but have not yet put in a new application will still be able to apply. Details on how to do this will follow.
An announcement on the reformed SFI scheme is expected in summer following DEFRA’s Spending Review although whether or when new funding will be available for SFI is uncertain.
Some of the key remaining and upcoming schemes are as follows:
- Animal Health and Welfare Funding – currently open
- Farming in Protected Landscapes – currently open (closes March 2026)
- Farm Equipment and Technology Fund – Opening in spring
- Accelerating Development of Practices and Technologies Fund – Opening in spring
- The Farming Innovation Programme – Opening this year
- Capital Grants – Opening this year
Natural Capital remains a strong option:
- Biodiversity Net Gain
- Nutrient Neutrality (subject to Planning and Infrastructure Bill)
- Woodland Carbon Credits
- Peatland Carbon Credits
Do let us know if you would like to discuss these options with us. Call David Marrow for Agri-environment applications and Henry Chamberlain for a BNG overview.