The new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) offer will launch this year. It will continue to support sustainable farming in England and help encourage growth.
In response to feedback, we are improving the new SFI offer to:
- make it simpler and more focused
- improve fairness and accessibility
- provide certainty and transparency
These changes will deliver an SFI that is simpler and fairer, so farmers can plan with confidence.
We will work with stakeholders now to get these changes right before the new SFI offer launches, and we will publish full scheme details before the first application window opens.
Simplicity and focus
To make the new SFI offer simpler and more focused, we are streamlining it by reducing the number of actions.
There will still be a broad offer to suit different types of farms and plenty of choice, with greater emphasis on actions that support sustainable food production.
This will include:
- limiting how much land can be put into actions that take land out of production. Previously, there were 10 ‘limited area’ actions in SFI. We are exploring whether more actions should be limited to a small proportion of the farm so they work alongside food production
- reviewing payment rates for actions that take land out of production where uptake has been particularly high.
Fairness and accessibility
We want as many farmers as possible to benefit from SFI. This will help us achieve the government’s target of doubling the number of farms providing sufficient year-round resources for farm wildlife by December 2030, compared with 2025.
We are considering ways to do this and will publish further details before we launch the new SFI offer.
Certainty and transparency
We know you need certainty to plan ahead, so we can confirm there will be two SFI application windows this year.
| Opens | Who can apply | |
|---|---|---|
| First window | June |
Those with small farms
Those without existing environmental land management agreements |
| Second window | September | All farmers. This includes those with small farms and those without an existing ELM agreement who did not apply in the first window |
Budgets
We’ll set clear budgets for each application window and provide regular updates so you know when funding is close to being fully allocated.
Budgets will be confirmed before the first application window opens in June.
We will not close application windows without warning.
Definitions
After consulting with stakeholders, we will publish a clear definition of “small farms” before the first application window opens in June.
We will also publish a precise definition of “farms with no existing environmental land management agreement” ahead of the first application window. For this purpose, environmental land management agreements administered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will be taken into account, including previous versions of the SFI, Countryside Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS). Other schemes not administered by the RPA, such as private sector schemes or Landscape Recovery, will not be included.
If you are classified as a small farm and already have an environmental land management agreement, you will still be able to apply in the first window.
Stay informed
This morning, we published a blog post summarising the Secretary of State's OFC2026 speech. It includes a number of announcements to support farmers in England.
Subscribe to the Farming blog to receive updates on the SFI offer and information from the Farming and Countryside Programme.
The 
42 comments
Comment by C posted on
With application window opening in September I find it hard to believe that many of the SFI options will be able to be established/planted in the 2026 year due to the late timing in the year so that leaves at least another year before any of these new agreements start providing a real benefit. It makes me wonder if you have considered the actual timing of when farmers can establish certain crops to meet your wildlife goals? Why not open the applications early this year so we can get these new options established in the spring/summer of 2026?
Having read the speech at Oxford Farming Conference this morning it looks like you will be applying some sort of cap on areas/values. Could this cap be related to our old BPS payment amount to ensure fairness to all sizes of farms?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Charlie,
Thanks for getting in touch and sharing your concerns about timings. We wanted to ensure that there is an SFI offer available within 2026 so farmers are able to plan into 2027 and beyond. SFI is a 3-year scheme, and each SFI Action description sets out when and how that action should be delivered in the “when to do it” section. This is an example of how we currently describe the approach: https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms/csam2-multi-species-winter-cover-crop
We will update our actions and it is important farmers read the description of each action carefully. We will announce the details of the cap before we open applications. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as any new information is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Simon Ward posted on
Has it been taken into account that small farms are not always reliant on farming income and have the best opportunity of converting the gross margin payment to something approaching the net margin through the use of contractors? The sector under threat is the commercial family farmers that produce most of our food. These farmers will not have the opportunity to improve efficiency by the sensible provision of environmental goods until later in the year when it will be too late plant and plan cropping.
To obtain value for money the target option area should be defined by region and farmers should be allowed to bid to supply. This would make it easier to control the budget and ensure delivery of the environmental targets.
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Simon
Thank you for your feedback, I've shared this with the SFI policy team. The first window in June will be for small farms and for those without a current ELM agreement. There are commercial family farms who hadn’t previously applied for SFI and don’t have ELM agreements, so we're hopeful this window approach provides an opportunity to prioritise farmers in that position. It also provides an opportunity to spread the funding as widely and fairly as possible.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by John Hawkins posted on
Hello. When will DEFRA release the detail for these new SFI schemes please so that Farmers can start planning now? Thank you in advance
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi John,
Thank you for getting in touch. We will publish full scheme details before we open the first application window in June. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as the guidance is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Paul posted on
As you might imagine - a critical question from farmers is what is Defra's definition of a 'small farm' ?
In addition, will applicants eligible for the 2026 round 1 be prevented or limited from applying in the 2026 round 2 instead?
Will farmers who accepted a 1 year CS extension in December 2025 - together with those whose CS ends this coming December, be able to apply in the 2026 round 2 in preparation for a 1 Jan 2027 start date?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Paul,
Thank you for your questions. We will work with stakeholders to define what a small farm is, and publish this definition before the first application window opens in June. All farmers will be able to apply when the second application window opens in September. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as any new information is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Gillian Wood posted on
What constitutes a small farm?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Gillian,
Thanks for getting in touch. We are working with stakeholders to define this. We’ll let you know what the precise definition is before the first application window opens in June. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as the full guidance is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Torz Brown posted on
What constitutes a 'small farm'?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Torz,
Thank you for your question. This is one of the details we’ll be working with stakeholders on. We’ll publish a precise definition before the first application window opens in June. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as the full guidance is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Rosemary Johnston posted on
Can you define “small farm” please so we can in your own words “plan for the future”.
Can you also let us know when the full list of “actions” will be available?
Thanks
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Rosemary,
Thank you for getting in touch. We will confirm the definition of a small farm and publish full scheme details before we open the first application window in June. We updated the post yesterday to be clearer about our approach to definitions. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as this information is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Dan McKelvey posted on
These updates to the SFI scheme are greatly appreciated, I represent several small farms and have found it very difficult to get access to ELM schemes.
When can we expect detailed information on the updated offerings so we can best prepare for the application opening date in June?
Thanks
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Dan,
Thank you for getting in touch and sharing your experience. We’re sorry to hear you’ve found it difficult helping others access our schemes.
We will confirm the definition of a small farm and publish full scheme details before we open the first application window in June. We updated the post yesterday to be clearer about our approach to definitions.
If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as this information is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Becky posted on
I wish that this could be trusted. There was supposed to be a new SFI offering in Summer 2025 and there was no explanation as to why this didn't happen, nor any acknowledgement that it didn't happen. I phoned the SFI helpline several times and was only ever told that it was opening again soon. So disrespectful. What other industry would put up with this? Certainly not the NHS and I think the growing and providing of nutrient dense food from a nature friendly farm is equally as important as the healthcare service, if not more so, as a lot of the burden on the NHS would be alleviated by access to good food...
As someone who farms alone, it was a huge effort getting all the information together for a SFI application, alongside the winter routine...and then I couldn't submit my application due to errors made (and admitted) by DEFRA (and then the scheme closed without notice, despite the DEFRA website stating that 6 weeks notice would be given if the scheme ever needed to close) but because those errors didn't fit one of the exemptions, I wasn't allowed to apply after the window closed. I've had no government support whatsoever this year (the CS agreement ended in December 2024) and we've had significantly increased costs due to government policy, on the electric milk delivery van, on glass and needing to seek advice on IHT.
Why should I trust that a) the SFI re-opens in June, if this is classed as a small farm at 35.5 acres, and that b)that it won't close without notice again?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Becky,
Thank you for getting in touch and sharing your concerns. We recognise that the closure of the SFI was frustrating for many people. In response, the Secretary of State confirmed that future application windows will not close without warning. For each application window, we’ll set clear budgets and provide regular updates so you can see when a window is nearing full subscription.
We understand how important clarity and certainty are for business planning, and we’re committed to improving how this information is shared. The first SFI application window will open in June and will be available to small farms. We’ll publish a clear definition of what is meant by a “small farm” ahead of the window opening.
If you’d like to stay up to date, you can subscribe to the Farming blog to receive a notification as soon as this information is published: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Ricardo de Fenton posted on
It states 'farmers' - does this include landowners?
Comment by The Team posted on
Apologies, we used “farmers” as shorthand. If you have management control over eligible land, you may be eligible to apply.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Jet Janman posted on
Hi Defra,
Will there be farm adviser training sessions several months before the June and September SFI opens in 2026 so that technical queries around the 2026 guidance, options, thresholds can be explained well before a scheme opens
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hello,
We’re planning a programme of webinars and explainer content ahead of the June and September 2026 SFI openings, which will cover the guidance, actions and technical detail.
We’ll share further detail as soon as plans are confirmed.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Sue Wise posted on
Hi I own just 5 acres in Devon, and need to renew all the fences, will small area like this be included.
Thanks
Sue
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Sue,
Thank you for getting in touch. We will publish a clear definition of “small farms” before the first application window opens in June.
In terms of renewing fences, this funding isn't included in SFI, but is provided via Capital Grants. Capital Grants 2025 is currently closed but we expect to open a new round this year. In the meantime, you can use the grant finder to find out what items might be available when it re-opens: https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder?keywords=fences
If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as any new information about SFI or Capital Grants is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by jack wallbank posted on
Will their be sfi options for moorland this time
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Jack,
Thank you for your question about moorland options. We've shared it with the SFI policy team.
We are not yet in a position to confirm the final form of individual SFI actions. Work on the detailed design of actions is still ongoing and no final decisions have been made.
We will publish full scheme details before we open the first application window in June. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as this information is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Chris posted on
Hi,my current SFI agreement is due to expire towards the end of 2026.Will I be able to rollover my agreement or renew within a short time frame after my agreement expires?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Chris,
Thank you for getting in touch. We are considering how best to support farmers with expiring agreements. The second application window opening in September is for all farmers.
If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as further information is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Nic Headon posted on
If our existing agreement ends in November do we have any options for a new agreement to start in December?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Nic,
Thank you for getting in touch. We are considering how best to support farmers with expiring agreements. The second application window opening in September is for all farmers. The RPA will work to issue agreements as quickly as they can. Further details on the SFI offer will be announced at the NFU conference this month.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Peter Clutterbuck posted on
What is the definition of a small farm??
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Peter,
Thank you for getting in touch. After consulting with stakeholders, we will publish a clear definition of “small farms” before the first application window opens in June. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as this information is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Amy Cooper posted on
Does “environmental land management agreements” include those who have secured a Capital Grants Scheme Agreement?
Thank you!
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Amy,
Thank you for getting in touch with your question. We will share the precise definition of farms with no existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) agreement before the first application window opens in June.
What we can say for now is that environmental land management agreements administered by the Rural Payments Agency, such as previous versions of the Sustainable Farming Incentive, Countryside Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship, will be taken into account. Other schemes that are not administered by the RPA, including private sector schemes or Landscape Recovery, will not be included.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Flo Stoney posted on
Hi, Please can you confirm whether educational visits will be included in Higher Tier/SFI? We were making real progress with connecting schools to farms for regular visits, curtailed by the swift removal of funding. It would be great to know as soon as possible so we can hit the ground running for these incredibly valuable experiences for primary school children. Reconnecting them with their local farms and how "real" food is produced.
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Flo,
Thank you for raising this, and for highlighting the importance of educational visits. We recognise the value that these experiences provide for school children in understanding farming, food production and the countryside.
At this stage, we’re not able to confirm the final SFI actions. Work on the detailed design of the scheme is still ongoing. We will publish the full SFI scheme details before the first application window opens in June.
There are two capital grant items available that relate to educational access:
VED1 Educational access visits: https://www.gov.uk/capital-grant-finder/ved1-educational-access-visits
AC2 Countryside educational access visits accreditation: https://www.gov.uk/countryside-stewardship-grants/countryside-educational-access-visits-accreditation-ac2
If you are already in a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) agreement, you can apply for them.
If you aren't in CSHT, you will need to wait and apply for the items when the new capital grants round opens this year.
By subscribing to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as new information is available: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Liz Vickerie posted on
Please can you take into account that registered organic farms (many of them small scale and struggling) already have a huge amount of regulation and compliance to prove that they farm in a sustainable way. We would like to access grants to maintain this way of farming but don’t want another layer of paperwork and more expense to prove what we have already proven (and paid for in license fees) to the Soil Association, Organic Farmers and Growers etc.
Could our current expensive organic licenses and annual inspections not be sufficient to warrant access to SFI funds?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Liz,
Thank you for taking the time to share your views.
We recognise that registered organic farms are subject to established standards and inspection requirements to demonstrate sustainable farming practices, and note your comments about the cost and administrative burden involved.
We’ve shared your comments with the SFI policy team, including your suggestion that existing organic certification and inspections could be considered when looking at access to SFI funding.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Marian Wilby posted on
For people who have accepted a one year extension, they will presumably not be able to apply for land included in the extension until the extension expires. Will there sufficient budget to allow them to apply once the extension has expired, i.e Jan 27? Or are they at risk of having to wait until a further round of SFI if the budget is already allocated by that time . If so is this not placing them at a disadvantage for accepting the extension?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Marian,
Thank you for getting in touch. It is a really important point you've raised which we’ll share with the policy team. Work on the detailed design of the 2026 scheme is still ongoing. As part of this work, we are considering how best to support farmers with expiring agreements. The Secretary of State confirmed that future application windows will not close without warning. For each application window, we’ll set clear budgets and provide regular updates so you can see when a window is nearing full subscription.
Further details on the SFI offer will be announced at the NFU conference this month. If you subscribe to the Farming blog, you’ll get a notification as soon as any new information is available https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/subscribe/
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by John Calder posted on
I really don't mind if your answer to my question is not given publicly but why, twelve days on, have I not even received an acknowledgement? I was in the SFI Pilot. I was in the Hedgerow Practitioners Workgroup. Why don't I get a response?
The question was not that difficult: I welcomed the commitment that previous errors will not be repeated. However, a shroud of mystery remains and it is not yet reasonable to suggest that farmers can 'plan with confidence'. What DEFRA says here is that changes in content to what we last saw in SFI will be made because they will be 'reducing the number of actions'.
Let me ask a specific question.
As a participant in the SFI Pilot and a participant in the Hedgerows Practitioners Work Group can I please have the confirmation that the four hedgerow Actions (CHRW1, CHRW2, CHRW3 & BND2) will not be diluted in the scheme? When launching the ELMS scheme George Eustice positioned hedgerows as 'probably the most important ecological building block that we have in the farmed landscape'. This is still true.
I do welcome the acknowledgement that lessons have been learned. Absolute clarity on what specific actions are under review for change should be made quickly so that we are not left in doubt about what is already known by DEFRA to be remaining. Thankyou for this opportunity to provide feedback. I hope someone will be able to provide us with a swift clarification on hedgerows, specifically.
Kind regards
John Calder
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi John,
Thank you for your question, and for your participation in the SFI pilot and the Hedgerows Practitioners Working Group. I’m sorry that you did not receive an acknowledgement sooner. We’re a small team and we work through comments and questions with policy teams as quickly as we can. We have shared your feedback and questions with the SFI policy team. We are currently working with stakeholders to refine the SFI 2026 actions, and we recognise that clarity and certainty are essential for business planning.
On your specific question about hedgerows, we are not yet in a position to confirm the final form of individual SFI actions. As you note, we have said that the overall number of actions will be reduced as part of simplifying the offer, but work on the detailed design of actions is still ongoing and no final decisions have yet been taken.
What we can say is that hedgerows continue to be recognised as a critical part of the farmed landscape, both environmentally and agriculturally, and they remain an important focus within the scheme. Feedback from pilots and practitioner groups, including on hedgerows, is being actively considered as part of this work.
We agree that it is important to provide greater clarity as soon as decisions are confirmed. We will provide more detail on the new SFI offer at the NFU Conference in February, ahead of publishing the full scheme details before the first application window opens in June.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your views.
Kind regards,
The Team