Following the NFU conference on 24-25 February, details surrounding the revamped SFI scheme for England were announced. To summarise what we know so far:
- Windows: SFI26 is scheduled to open in two windows. The first window opens in June and is targeted to small farms (3ha to 50ha) and those who haven’t previously entered a revenue environmental scheme, estimated to be open for two months. The second window will open for everyone else in September. While there is a budget for SFI26, it is not clear as to the amount or how this will be split between each window.
- Cap: Agreements to be capped at £100,000 per year. The 25% option limit will be extended to include enhanced overwinter stubble. Only one SFI26 agreement allowed per applicant.
- Rotational Actions: Rotational actions can still be moved between parcels, but no increase or decrease of area is permitted each year.
- Reduced Actions: SFI26 includes 71 actions, down from 102 in SFI24. But on initial review, a lot of the useful options are still available.
- Reduced Payment Rates: Herbal leys £224/ha, winter bird food on arable land £648/ha, legume fallow £532/ha (reduced payments only apply to SFI26, not existing agreements). Management payments have been scrapped entirely.
It’s worth noting, all existing agreements will continue under their current terms.
If you think you are eligible for SFI26 or would like to talk through how a scheme might work for you, please call the office on 01793 842055 or email post@webbpaton.co.uk
