To keep you informed about the progress of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26), we’re providing another update on Window 1 funding.
We can confirm that around 75% of the Window 1 budget has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.
Demand started strongly and has since levelled off, remaining steady and within the range of uptake scenarios we expected.
If you are eligible to apply in Window 1 and are planning to do so, we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. With a significant proportion of the available budget now allocated, funding is becoming more limited.
Before submitting, check that your digital maps show:
- all the land parcels you want to include in your SFI26 application, with the correct areas and land covers. If you need to update your maps, use the Rural Payments service to ask the RPA to do this as soon as possible.
- at least 3ha of agricultural land - otherwise, you won’t be able to start an application
Read section 7 ‘Get ready to apply’ in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance for more information.
We will continue to monitor the remaining funding. We will provide a further update if the Window 1 budget is fully allocated and the window closes.
Eligible applicants who do not apply during Window 1 will have the opportunity to apply during Window 2. Window 2 is expected to open in September.
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