It's encouraging to see so many farmers engaging with the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) since Window 1 opened in June.
Window 1 was designed to give smaller farms and those not already receiving ELM revenue funding an early opportunity to access the scheme.
It formed part of our plans to make funding simpler, fairer and more accessible to a wider range of farm businesses.
Uptake of SFI26 agreements in Window 1 so far
The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) began making SFI26 agreement offers to Window 1 applicants in July.
We’re pleased that, of the 1,188 agreements offered to farmers so far, 922 were accepted by 31 July. This meant they were able to start on 1 August.
To date, around two-thirds of farmers have accepted their agreement offer within 2 days.
The RPA continues to make agreement offers. We encourage farmers to accept their offers as quickly as possible.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs)
If you’ve applied for SFI26 on SSSI land, it’s important that you submit the required SSSI notice to get consent from Natural England as soon as possible.
The RPA cannot offer you an SFI26 agreement until you’ve done this. Read section 10.1 ‘SSSI consent’ in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance to find out how to do this.
Budget allocation and the closure of Window 1
The available budget for Window 1 is £60 million. We’ve published budget updates on the blog, based on SFI26 applications received so far.
We said that Window 1 was expected to remain open for around 2 months, unless all the available funding for this window was allocated sooner.
This means Window 1 will close no later than 11:59pm on 28 August 2026.
Eligible farmers for Window 1 who do not apply during this window can apply in Window 2 instead.
Applying in Window 2
Window 2 will open in September 2026 for all farmers and land managers.
We’ll confirm the date we expect to open applications once Window 1 has closed.
The available budget for Window 2 will be £180 million. Any funding not allocated through Window 1 will be added to the budget for Window 2.
Starting an application for Window 2 early
Farmers whose ELM revenue agreements were due to expire would normally have to wait until those agreements ended before being able to apply for a new agreement.
As we confirmed in our blog post on 30 June, we will introduce a new feature in the SFI26 application service for farmers with eligible ELM revenue agreements that expire by the end of February 2027 to start an application early.
This means they can begin an SFI26 application and apply for land that is currently in their ELM revenue agreement before that agreement ends.
This will take effect when Window 2 opens. We will test and refine the new feature in the application service with a small number of farmers and land managers before it is available to everyone.
We've published additional information in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance on GOV.UK explaining how this will work. Read section 3.8 ‘If your ELM revenue agreement is ending soon (Window 2 only)’.
Make sure you’re ready to apply
Before you start an SFI26 application for Window 1 or Window 2, read the ‘Get ready to apply’ guidance in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance.
It explains the steps you need to take before you start your application, so the process is as straightforward as possible.
This includes making sure that the land parcels you want to include in your application are shown correctly on your digital maps. If these land details are not correct, it may prevent you from applying for SFI26.
Learn more
SFI26 scheme information
The SFI26 scheme information published on GOV.UK includes:
- the terms and conditions which apply to all SFI26 agreements
- the scheme rules, which explain the mandatory requirements set in the SFI26 terms and conditions
- the requirements for each SFI26 action which are available on the ‘Find funding for land or farms’ tool on GOV.UK (or the HTML print version) – you can review the actions available and consider which may work for your farm business
- guidance to help you apply for, and manage, your SFI26 agreement
SFI: Getting started leaflet
We’ve put together a leaflet to help you understand the Sustainable Farming Incentive and how to get started – download it.
SFI: planning your fertiliser and nutrient use
This leaflet sets out the SFI actions that can help improve nutrient use efficiency and reduce reliance on fossil fuel-based fertilisers, supporting more sustainable and resilient farming practices.
Subscribe to the Farming Blog
For the latest updates from the Farming and Countryside team, subscribe to the Farming Blog.
By subscribing, you’ll receive an email whenever a new post is published.
54 comments
Comment by Geoff Goodson posted on
I want to apply for SFI as soon as Window 2 opens. when will this be ?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Geoff,
We expect it to open from 22 September.
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/29/sfi26-update-window-1-now-closed
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Geoff posted on
Thank you Sarah. I wish to apply for SAM3 Herbal Ley which the guidance said sow ealy September. If I can only apply post 22 September how long before I hear if successful, as then need to obtain the seed and sow?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Geoff,
You're welcome. Unfortunately, the RPA can't guarantee a specific turnaround time, as this depends on the number and complexity of applications received. However, they will process applications as quickly as possible, in the order they are received. I'm sorry to not be able to give a better answer but if there are any updates on processing times, we'll share them.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Geoff posted on
What time of day will window 2 open?
Comment by Geoff posted on
On 22nd what time is Window 2 likely to open
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Geoff,
Thanks for your comment, at this stage we aren’t able to confirm what time SFI Window 2 will open for applications. As soon as applications open, we will post on the blog.
We advise you subscribe to the blog to receive a notification as soon as applications go live.
Thanks,
Tom
Comment by Roger posted on
We applied for SFI26 on 9th July 26. When can we expect to hear if the application has been successful or not? Also, will all Round 1 applicants receive an outcome before Round 2 opens?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Roger,
The RPA is processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. While processing times can vary, applicants for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) are currently receiving an agreement offer on average within 24 days of submitting their application.
Here's the link to contact the RPA about your application:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Emma posted on
When will you confirm the date in September that round 2 will open?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Emma,
In this post, we say we expect it to open from 22 September: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/29/sfi26-update-window-1-now-closed/
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Dan Turner posted on
A question on the 25% limited area limit and the new start-an-application-early route, because the two do not seem to reference each other anywhere.
If a farm applies early in Window 2 while its existing SFI23 agreement is still live, and the SFI26 agreement will not start until after that agreement ends, does the limited area ground in the expiring agreement count against the 25% for the new application? Section 4.5.1 counts what you "already have", and the limited area calculator says to include live SFI23 and SFI24 agreements, but neither addresses the case where the two agreements never actually overlap.
A steer would be appreciated, as it changes what people in that position can apply for.
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Dan,
Thanks for your email. The new Window 2 ‘start an application early’ functionality will ignore any ‘limited area’ SFI actions you have in SFI23 agreements due to expire on or before 28 February 2027. This is because the SFI26 agreement will not start until after the relevant SFI23 agreement has expired.
Thanks, and I hope this helps.
Tom
Comment by Debs Willoughby posted on
Hi Can I ask for some clarity please? I have a SFI23 ending on 31st Jan 2027. I also have two SFI24 agreements ending on 30th Nov 2027 and 31st May 2028.
I would like to apply to basically continue the options in the SFI23 agreement under SFI26, hopefully to start on 1st Feb to ensure continuity.
Will having the two SFI24 agreements prevent me from doing this?
Many thanks,
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Debs,
The short answer is your SFI24 agreements won't prevent you from applying to continue options on SFI23 land that expires on 31 January.
Farm businesses (as identified by their SBIs) with an eligible ELM revenue agreement that ends on or before 28 February 2027 will be able to use the new SFI26 Window 2 ‘start an application early’ (SAE) functionality.
It will be possible for you to apply for SFI26 actions on land that that isn’t in an SFI agreement and in land where an agreement is expiring before 28 February 2027. In addition, you can apply for SFI26 actions on land in your existing SFI24 agreements which ends in 2028 which are compatible and do not lead to double funding.
Hope that helps,
The Team
Comment by G Cromwell posted on
Applying for CSAM2 MultiSpecies winter cover crop
I have just watched the very helpful video on how to apply for round 2, but it does not address the specific question that we have.
(It was because we were trying to get clarity on the same point, while our application was ready in all other respects, that we did not press Submit before the earlier round of SFI suddenly closed).
So I really hope we can get this 100% clear now please.
The issue is this:
1. The application system requires that we tick the options we are applying for. So we would tick CSAM2
2. It then asks which parcels this will apply to.
As you will appreciate, a winter cover crop will depend on the cropping rotation, stage of that rotation and the agricultural conditions, in each field and will therefore also move around the farm (as the guidance recognizes) during the three years.
In other words, while each of the arable fields may have a cover crop at some point in the three years, it will NOT be the case that all of them have a cover crop every year.
I think this is understood at RPA/DEFRA. This issue comes with filling in the application form.
Option 1 – on the application we tick ALL the fields.
Problem: that would seem to suggest all fields would have a cover crop every year - an over-claim.
Option 2 - we just tick SOME of the fields to reflect the issue explained above.
Problem: that would suggest that only these fields will have a cover crop, when some years they would not while other (not ticked) fields would have one.
So, neither option seems to address the issue on the ground.
Our objective, to avoid overclaiming, would be to commit to having 30% of the arable area with a winter cover crop (CSAM2) and that this would rotate around the fields.
In other words we would go with Option 1 above – tick all the fields - BUT need to be contractually clear that only 30% of them would have a cover crop in any given year.
Sorry for the long question, but please can it be explained how this can be achieved within the SFI26 application system?
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Thanks for you comment.
For rotational actions, we advise that you apply for the land you want to have under rotational action in the first year of your agreement. Please bear in mind that for SFI26, it will not be possible to increase the area or value of a rotational action above the area you have in year one of your agreement. It will be possible to decrease the area.
To confirm the land you will be conducting rotational actions on in the second and third years of your Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) agreement, you must submit a rotational actions declaration through the Rural Payments service. You must complete this step every year even if you are not changing the location or area of your rotational actions - https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sustainable-farming-incentive-sfi-completing-your-rotational-actions-declaration
Hope this helps.
Thanks,
The Team
Comment by Michael Woodhead posted on
My application for window 1 was submitted on the 16 July and I have still not heard anything, should I be concerned?
Will this application still be valid when window 1 closes if an offer has not been made by then?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Michael,
The RPA is processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. While processing times can vary, applicants for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) are currently receiving an agreement offer on average within 24 days of submitting their application.
Here's the link to contact the RPA about your application:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by frank milburn posted on
I submitted an application for SFI26 as a small farmer on 5th July. I still have not heard anything back as to whether it has been approved or not. The website just shows it as being submitted.
If I do not hear anything back by 28th August then do I have to start from scratch and resubmit my application?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Frank,
The RPA is processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. While processing times can vary, applicants for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) are currently receiving an agreement offer on average within 24 days of submitting their application.
Here's the link to contact the RPA about your application:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Andrew posted on
Hi,
We made a relatively (we believe) straightforward 2026 application in mid-July but have yet to receive any update or offer, would you be able to confirm when we might likely to hear back from you please?
Just conscious that we have completed harvest and are holding further work pending the SFI application decision.
Many Thanks
Comment by The Team posted on
Morning Andrew,
The RPA is processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. While processing times can vary, applicants for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) are currently receiving an agreement offer on average within 24 days of submitting their application.
Here's the link to contact the RPA about your application:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by peter posted on
My SFI Agreement ends in nov 27 when can l apply for a new agreement.
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Peter,
Thanks for you comment. Only farm businesses (as identified by their SBIs) with an eligible ELM revenue agreement that ends on or before 28 February 2027 will be able to use the new SFI26 Window 2 ‘start an application early’ (SAE) functionality. However, it should be possible for you to apply for SFI26 actions on land in your existing SFI agreement which are compatible and do not lead to double funding. In addition, you can apply for SFI26 actions on land that isn’t in your expiring SFI agreement
Looking beyond SFI26, ministers have committed publicly to stabilising the main design of SFI for the duration of this Parliament so that farmers and land managers know what to expect in the years ahead.
In keeping with the commitments made in the Farming Roadmap 2050, we plan to offer an SFI27 scheme in 2027.
Following Window 2 of SFI26, we will consider whether any refinements are needed for SFI27 and will share information on these as early as possible.
Check out this blog for the details - https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/29/sfi26-update-window-1-now-closed/
Thanks,
The Team
Comment by Emily posted on
I will apply for SFI 2026 this year when the window is open, as I have land out of agreement that fits entry requirements. Please can you tell me if I will then be able to apply for SFI 2027 on the remainder of my land that comes out of agreement in May 2027.
Thank you
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Emily,
You will be able to apply for the SFI in 2027 when your agreements expire in May 2027, providing you meet other eligibility requirements.
Following Window 2 of SFI26, we will consider whether any refinements are needed for SFI27 and will share information on he 2027 scheme as early as possible.
Thanks,
The Team
Comment by Sharon Seedless posted on
I submitted an application a few days after SFI window opened at the start of July. It is August now 12th and my application is 'in progress'.
I see that 922 agreements started on 1st August. Which is great - but is this out of 1500 application? 15,000 applications? 150,000 applications?
I have just spent 31 minutes (mostly on hold) on the phone to RPA as I need to know whether I am planting 30ha of wheat or 30ha SFI options, and if I do get offered an agreement, when will the start date be?
I now need to put it in an email as they had no answers.
Please can you help?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hello Sharon,
The RPA is processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. While processing times can vary, applicants for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) are currently receiving an agreement offer on average within 24 days of submitting their application.
Here's the link to contact the RPA about your application:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/contact-the-rpa-about-sfi
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Grant posted on
My application was made on 4 July and its status is showing as ‘submitted’ does this mean it is yet to be considered and can I expect a decision before the window closes on 31 August ?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Grant,
Thank you for getting in touch. If you need to check the progress of an application, please contact the RPA in the first instance. Email ruralpayments@defra.gov.uk and Use ‘SFI’ in the subject header and include your SBI.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Jonny Leech posted on
Hi there,
You state that those with agreements ending 31st March or later will not be able to roll those same options into a new agreement to avoid 'double payment'. As someone whose agreement ends on the 31st of March, this means that for the sake of 1 month, I am faced with no option other than returning land to cropping (which is unproductive and unprofitable, hence I removed it from cropping in the first place) and hope the SFI27 comes to fruition - for which so far there is absolutely no guarantee.
It would take nothing more than a simple declaration of any area/options which will be eligible for such 'double payment', and that revenue be subtracted from the first payment of the SFI26 agreement.
Would you not agree this is a better solution than a) forcing people to crop land on which they cannot make a profit (in the current climate especially) and b) leaving people at financial risk should SFI27 not happen or be scaled back in any way?
Best regards,
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hello Jonny,
Thanks for your comment. We’re only making the new functionality to apply early available to farmers whose existing ELM revenue agreements end early enough that they could enter into an SFI26 agreement in this financial year.
Farmers with agreements expiring at the end of March 2027 would not have had enough time, after those agreements ended, to apply for and enter an SFI26 agreement in this FY.
There may be an opportunity for farmers with agreements which expire at the end of March 2027 to apply for a future SFI offer. We will announce the timing of the SFI27 offer in due course.
Thanks,
Tom
Comment by Lucy posted on
With regards to SSSI sites and Round 2 of SFI, at what stage should the consent be obtained given that you need an application (or is it agreement?) number to proceed online with applying for said consent?
With HEFER consent, when exactly does this need to be done?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Lucy,
Thank you for your question. To find out when consent should be sought for SSSI sites and sites with historic or archaeological features, you need to read the 'Eligibility of protected land' section in the guidance for your chosen action.
The guidance for each SFI action is in the Find Tool here: https://www.gov.uk/find-funding-for-land-or-farms?farming_grant_type%5B%5D=sustainable-farming-incentive
Hope that helps,
The Team
Comment by Lucy posted on
Is this with the application or once the offer has been approved? It doesn’t state in the guides.
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi Lucy,
To confirm, SSSI consent is covered in section 10.1 of the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance#get-any-regulatory-consents-before-you-do-your-sfi-actions
That confirms that you need to give notice to Natural England (NE) to get SSSI consent before the RPA can offer you an SFI26 agreement. It also confirms that you must have received SSSI consent from NE before you do the relevant SFI action on SSSI land.
Section 5.3 ‘Land with historic or archaeological features’ in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance confirms that you’re required to get an SFI HEFER from Historic England before you do the affected SFI action on this land - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance#check-your-land-is-eligible-for-sfi-actions
Thanks,
Tom
Comment by David posted on
My current SFI agreement ends on 30/04/2026. Can I apply for SFI 2026 for additional options that are not in my current agreement before my current agreement expires? Would I then be able to renew my current agreement when it expires with a future SFI 2027 agreement when this goes live in the future?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hello David,
Provided you meet the eligibility requirements, you are able to apply for an SFI26 agreement (a) on land that is not in your current agreement; or (b) for land in your current agreement, provided any SFI26 actions you choose are compatible with your existing actions, and do not result in you being paid twice for the same thing.
When your current agreement ends, there may be an opportunity for you (and other farmers whose agreements expire at the end of March 2027 or later) to apply for a future SFI offer. We will announce the timing and details of the SFI27 offer in due course.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by David Goodwin posted on
Thanks for the reply, could you please confirm that starting a 2026 agreement would not stop me from applying for a 2027 agreement in the future as long as there was no double funding.
Comment by Tom Goss posted on
Hi David,
That's right, submitting an SFI26 agreement won't stop you applying for any future agreement provided you meet the other eligibility requirements of that scheme / Window.
It's worth noting that when you apply for ‘limited area’ actions in your SFI26 application, the 25% limit will take into account any limited area actions you already have in SFI23 agreement, SFI24 agreements and CSHT agreements from 2025 onwards. While not yet confirmed, it is likely this will stay the same for SFI in 2027. For more information, please read section 4.5 ‘Limited area actions’ in the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance on GOV.UK - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance#about-sfi-actions
Thanks,
The Team
Comment by Helen posted on
MAY be able to apply for 2027 offer does not fill us with confidence. First 2026 round only opened more than half way through the year, will the 2027 iteration be available earlier in the year, and what about those with stewardship agreements that are still running alongside SFI, will we be able to apply?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Helen,
We appreciate that many farmers and land managers are keen to understand what opportunities may be available in 2027 and whether they'll be eligible to apply.
At this stage, we're not able to confirm the timing, eligibility requirements or other details of any future offer. All updates will be shared here on the blog.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Tom Allen-Stevens posted on
Thanks for this. I have a mid tier CS agreement that expires Dec26 & an SFI agreement that expires May 2027 with just rotational & whole farm measures. If I go for delayed Window2 would I face restrictions on options I cd apply for or parcels I cd apply them to?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Tom,
Your CS Mid Tier agreement ends in December 2026, so it will qualify for the new functionality that allows farmers with soon-to-expire ELM revenue agreements to apply for the full SFI26 offer.
However, your SFI agreement ends too late to qualify. This means that you would usually have to wait until your existing ELM revenue agreement ends before applying for the full range of SFI26 actions on land in that agreement. This is because many SFI26 actions would be incompatible with what is in your existing agreement or result in you being paid twice for the same activity.
You can find more information in section 3.8 of SFI26: scheme rules and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance#check-if-youre-eligible-to-apply
We hope this helps.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by Sam posted on
When will we know wether our SFI 2026 application will be accepted or not? If not accepted can we apply in round 2?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Sam,
While the RPA aims to issue offers as quickly as possible, processing times can vary depending on application volumes and the checks required for each application.
If you don't get an agreement in Window 1 (and you meet the scheme's eligibility criteria) you'll still have the opportunity to apply through Window 2.
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Sam Sykes posted on
Thanks Sarah, I'm just trying t get my head around your answer. Does this suggest that the first 1,188 applications that have already been made an offer were both early and simple to process? If so does that mean early applications that have yet to receive an offer are more complicated?
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi Sam,
Applications are processed in the order they are submitted. However, agreements won't necessarily be offered in strict submission order, as some applications may require additional checks or further information before they can be progressed.
My point was simply to highlight that there isn't a fixed processing timeframe, so the time between submission and an outcome may vary from one application to another.
Sorry if this wasn't clear.
Sarah
Comment by Sam Sykes posted on
Sarah, thanks for your prompt response. I think you're confirming what I suspected. I understand that now but just needed clarity the 1,188 figure didn't represent all the early applications.
Thanks for your help.
Comment by Matthew Quirk posted on
thanks for this. When can farmers whose agreements end after February 2027 - e.g. may 2027 apply ? At the moment it appears that we will have no support from beyond then.
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi Matthew,
Those with agreements ending on or after 31 March 2027 may be able to apply for a future SFI offer.
We'll provide further details on the SFI 2027 offer, including timings, in due course.
Best wishes,
The Team
Comment by David posted on
You say in the article "the end of February" then refer to the "31st March" in the comments. Which one is it?
Comment by The Team posted on
Hi David,
ELM revenue agreements usually expire at the end of the relevant calendar month.
Those with agreements ending on or before 28 February 2027 will be able to use the new functionality in the SFI26 application service for Window 2. This will allow them to start an application early (SAE) for SFI26 when Window 2 opens and apply for land that's in their existing ELM revenue agreements before it ends.
Farmers with agreements ending 31 March 2027 or later will not be able to use the new SAE functionality for SFI26 Window 2, but may be able to apply for a future SFI offer.
Best wishes,
The Team