Defra creates SFI landing page to simplify applications

Defra has created a new, single landing page for farmers in England considering or preparing to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

The new website aims to simplify the online application process and encourage as many eligible farmers as possible to register their interest in joining the scheme.

About 10,000 farmers in England – equivalent to one in eight – have submitted an expression of interest to join the scheme, which is the first component of Environmental Land Management (ELM).

See also: SFI 2023: The support options for arable growers

Defra opened the scheme for applications on 18 September after its launch was delayed by IT system problems.

Unlike previous agri-environment schemes, the SFI is being operated under a rolling application window, which means farmers can apply to join at any time.

There are 23 actions to choose from across eight areas, covering existing themes such as soil health and moorlands and new actions on hedgerows, integrated pest management, nutrient management, farmland wildlife, buffer strips and low-input grassland.

Farmers who apply successfully and have a live 2023 agreement before the end of the year will receive an accelerated payment in the first month, worth 25% of the value of their annual agreement.

Otherwise, the first payment will be made four months after the SFI agreement starts. After that, payments will be made every three months.

Crucial period, says NFU

NFU vice-president David Exwood said: “We have got 10,000 expressions of interest, which is great. That shows you the appetite is there and that farmers are engaging.”

He said it was “pretty good” that more than 10% of the people who could apply had done so in the first week at a busy time of year, “but it needs to be many more”.

“The key issue now is confidence that everybody else who might apply, who wants to apply, to carry on and put the expression of interest in. What happens from here on in the next few weeks is crucial.”