The UK government has recently announced significant updates to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), responding directly to feedback from farmers, stakeholder organisations, and agricultural experts
These changes aim to enhance clarity, flexibility, and support within the scheme while ensuring stability for participants.
Key improvements for farmers
The latest revisions cover various aspects of the SFI, starting with clearer guidelines on eligible land types and actions. Farmers will now find it easier to understand which lands qualify under the scheme, detailed in section 5.1 of the SFI scheme information. Moreover, obtaining consent for activities on Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) has been outlined in section 10.3, offering clarity on compliance requirements.
Enhanced flexibility and support
Recognising the diverse needs of farmers across the country, the SFI now allows for increased flexibility in rotational actions. Previously static actions, like legume fallow and herbal leys, can now be managed rotationally or statically, providing more practical options for farmers involved in food production, soil health, and wildlife conservation.
Technical adjustments for effectiveness
Technical adjustments to various SFI actions ensure they are both achievable and effective in meeting environmental goals. For instance, updates on soil management practices and cover crop usage now offer farmers more options to manage soil health sustainably.
Clear guidance and voluntary advice
To reduce prescription and empower farmers in decision-making, voluntary advice has been introduced for each action under the ‘Find funding for land or farms’ digital tool. This advice, while not mandatory, serves as a helpful resource for farmers navigating SFI requirements.
Supplemental actions and duration updates
Supplemental actions, previously aligned in duration with base actions, now offer extended flexibility with durations of either 3 or 5 years, depending on the specific action. This change allows farmers to plan and implement strategies that best suit their operational needs.
Upcoming webinar for further details
To facilitate understanding and implementation of these updates, a webinar is scheduled for September 26, 2024. Hosted by Janet Hughes, Farming and Countryside Programme Director, alongside policy leads and agricultural experts, this session will delve into the specifics of the expanded SFI offer. Farmers can register for free, engage in discussions, and access valuable insights to optimise their participation in the scheme.
The evolution of the Sustainable Farming Incentive reflects a commitment to ongoing improvement and responsiveness to farmer feedback. By balancing stability with necessary updates, the SFI aims to support sustainable agricultural practices across the UK effectively. Farmers are encouraged to explore the detailed changes on the GOV.UK website and participate in upcoming events to maximise the benefits of these enhancements.
