Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026: What Farmers Need to Know
DEFRA have now released the detailed guidance notes for this years Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) scheme, giving farmers and land managers an opportunity to review the offer and prepare ahead of the first application window opening on 30th June.
You can apply on 30th June if you are one of the following:
- Small farm with an agricultural area of less than 50 hectares
or
- Farm of any size that does not have an existing Stewardship agreement (Countryside Stewardship – Mid or higher Tier or SFI23 SFI24)
Before the full launch, a small number of eligible farmers will be invited to apply from around 18 June 2026. This early access phase is designed to test and refine the application system and ensure it is operating effectively before wider rollout. If you are approached to be included in this pilot launch, or if you are looking to prepare an application and require any help, please contact a member of the team.
A second application window is scheduled to open in September 2026, when the scheme will become available to all farmers and land managers.
What is SFI26?
SFI26 builds on the previous 2024 offer, meaning most farmers who have previously applied will find the structure familiar. The Actions are grouped into the following themes:
- Improve soil health
- Protect water quality
- Support nature recovery
- Strengthen farm resilience
- Maintain sustainable food production
The following link provides a search tool to find the Actions that might be relevant to your holding – https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms
Preparing your Application
With applications opening shortly, we would encourage you to:
- Review the published SFI26 actions and requirements
- Consider which actions align with your farming system
- Ensure RPA permissions and land information are up to date
- Familiarise yourself with the application guidance
How We Can Help
If you would like to discuss how this announcement may affect your individual circumstances, or which particular actions will suit your holding, please get in touch with a member of our Rural Professional Team on 01892 832 325 for further advice or sign up to our mailing list to be kept up to date with all the latest news.