Defra has announced that farmers will be able to put in their applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) from the 18th of September, with registrations of interest being taken from the 30th of August.
Pre-registration will enable farmers to get all their information place, including online maps and land-use details through the Rural Payments Agency.
There are 23 actions available for farmers under the SFI scheme, including payments for soil health, moorland, hedgerows, integrated pest management, wildlife, buffer strips and low-input grassland.
Secretary of State for Food and Farming Thérèse Coffey said: “The Sustainable Farming Incentive is important for sustainability – for production and profitability. With opening up the options, from mid-September for everyone, there is likely to be an opportunity for every eligible farmer to join SFI.”
Payments will be made quarterly to farmers who are part of the scheme. Alongside news on SFI, it was also announced that the deadline for Countryside Stewardship applications has been extended to the 15th of September.
For more information go to www.gov.uk
