Sustainable Farming Incentive – update
We now have more detail on the much anticipated ‘summer’ release of the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
The headlines are as follows:
- Expanded SFI will be available to applicants from 22nd July 2024.
- New applicants will be able to apply for the first time ie those that did not apply for BPS in 2023 will now be eligible.
- The number of Actions will increase from 22 to 102 Actions and include 20 new Actions and 50 simplified Actions merged from Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier.
- A further SFI release is being planned for later in the year, to include payments for educational access.
Other noteworthy matters in the press release:
- Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier will be open for applications from the ‘winter’, with agreements starting 1st January 2025 and interested applicants will be able to start working with Natural England and/or the Forestry Commission from the ‘summer’
- New digital tool launched to signpost farmers to funding opportunities – click here >
The SFI Scheme information published by Defra can be found here >
Attached is a summary but there is now a great deal of detail to consider which we would be pleased to discuss with you. Contact our rural professionals team >
