Get ready to apply for SFI26

As we explained in our last blog post, the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 offer (SFI26) will have 2 application windows.  

The first window (‘Window 1’) will open in June 2026 for 2 groups: 

• small farms 
• farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement 

The second window will open in September 2026 for all farmers and land managers. 

Initial SFI26 scheme information for Window 1 applicants 

We’ve published the initial part of the SFI26 scheme information for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1 on the SFI26 GOV.UK page.

It explains: 

• when you can apply — this includes information on the new limits for SFI26 agreements (one SFI26 agreement per farm business and a maximum agreement value of £100,000 per agreement year) 

• who is eligible to apply for Window 1 — this covers applicant eligibility criteria, and the definitions of small farms and farms without an ELM revenue agreement 

• what you need to do to get ready to apply before Window 1 opens — this includes checking your digital maps, contact details and permissions in the Rural Payments service

Full SFI26 scheme information for all applicants 

Before Window 1 opens in June 2026, we’ll publish the full SFI26 scheme information for all applicants on the SFI26 GOV.UK page.

It will include: 

• the terms and conditions which apply to SFI26 agreements 

• the scheme rules (which explain the mandatory requirements set out in the SFI26 terms and conditions) 

• the SFI26 actions (which will be published on the ‘Find funding for land or farms’ tool on GOV.UK)  

• guidance to help you apply

We'll let you know when the guidance is live. For the latest updates from the Farming and Countryside team, subscribe to the Farming Blog.

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