Farmers Weekly Emergency Podcast: Defra pulls plug on SFI
© Tim Scrivener In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra’s decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme.
The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March.
Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate effect, leaving would-be applicants high and dry.
We look at the reasons for the announcement – and where it leaves farmers and farm businesses across England.
With thanks to special guests:
- Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network
- Jamie Burrows, chairman of the NFU combinable crops board
- Ed Hutley, partner with farm business consultants Ceres Rural
This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.
To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.