Following the announcement that the SFI 2024 scheme would re-open for eligible applicants, Hutchinsons is providing advice to those taking part.
Georgina Wallis, head of environmental services, reminds growers that only select groups are eligible to apply for the reopened scheme.
“This includes anyone who was in an SFI Pilot Scheme, had previously reported system issues or had started but not submitted an SFI application (application generated in the RPA portal between 12th January 2025 and 11th March 2025),” she says.
“If you identify as a grower eligible for the reopened offer, you will be able to log in and complete that application when the window reopens in the RPA portal from 12 noon on the 7th July. The application window will last for six weeks from the 7th July, closing at 11.59pm on the 18th August.”
Those who were part of the pilot scheme will not have their applications capped, however, those who had started but not submitted their applications will be capped at £9,300 per agreement, with only one agreement per SBI number.
“Any applications submitted over this figure will be rejected by the RPA, so it is really important to plan now and get it right,” Georgina adds.
Uneligible applications
Those who are not eligible, or had not started an application, will understandably be frustrated, she acknowledges, however, she adds that options are expected later in the year.
“We know there is a budget for future agri-environment schemes and expect further detail on this over the summer months for applications in 2026.
“The important thing for now, is to prepare. Ensure your land is registered correctly to the right SBI number, including the correct land covers. As we rapidly approach harvest and planning for the 2026 harvest, consider which actions could work well in your rotation.”
And for those already in an agreement, either the Countryside Stewardship or SFI, now is the time to take stock.
“Now is the perfect time to review rotations and plans, ensuring that schemes are delivering what they were intended to. Whilst CSS agreements offer less flexibility, the beauty of SFI agreements is they allow for flexibility—adjustments can be made within the agreement to ensure the scheme works effectively on your farm.”
Georgina recommends speaking to an agronomist or environmental advisor to review options, stressing that this will pay dividends in the long term.
More commitment to environmental schemes, but this must work for all
At Groundswell, Secretary of State Steve Reed reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to the Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS), including an updated SFI.
NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “It’s encouraging to hear the Defra Secretary reaffirm his commitment to ELMs and the principle of rewarding farmers for the public goods they deliver for the environment while producing food for the nation.
“SFI was always meant to be a simple, accessible scheme that supports work to improve the environment alongside food production. We will continue to engage with Defra to discuss how this can be achieved, provided there is openness and transparency. Choice and flexibility were why SFI worked for farmers and so any discussion about targeting and packaging must be based on clear evidence.
“While the Defra Secretary’s remarks are broad, they lack the clarity needed as cashflow pressures mount and direct payments rapidly decline. Farmers now need to see detail on the future shape of SFI so they can better understand how it will work for them.
“We firmly share Defra’s ambition to support profitable and sustainable farm businesses. Achieving that goal depends on making the SFI scheme work for all farmers, regardless of size, sector, or location. If the aim is for SFI to help farming deliver environmental benefits, then excluding large areas of English farmland from the scheme would be counterproductive.”