I am the Defra lead for development of the Standards that will make up the Sustainable Farming Incentive.
I joined Defra, previously Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) in 1997 as a field officer in Derbyshire advising farmers on the first version of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme and the North Peak Environmentally Sensitive Area. I have since managed the Entry Level Stewardship Scheme and worked on advice programmes such as Catchment Sensitive Farming.
Alongside my career in the MAFF/Defra organisation I have continued to farm with my family in the Peak District. We keep 200 dairy cows and followers on what is best described as ‘challenging’ terrain.
In this post, we’ll share details of the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and links for you to learn more.
In this episode of the Farming podcast, Jonathan Marsden, Head of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) talks to Claire Robinson, Senior Countryside Adviser for the National Farmers Union (NFU). The pair discuss what you need to know as a farmer to get ready for SFI this year.
In the latest episode of the Future Farming Podcast, Cambridgeshire farmer Martin Lines and Sustainable Farming Incentive lead Jonathan Marsden talk all things Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and environmental land management.
As a farmer, I am only too aware of the financial pressures which force farmers to make short-term decisions to address an immediate need. This isn’t always ideal for the environment and the sustainability of farming in the longer term. The marketplace is very good at driving the efficient production of high-quality grain, meat, milk …
22 October How ADOPT funding can support your farm business, 11am to 12:30pm.
Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.
30 October Borderway Agri Expo, Borderway, Rosehill, Carlisle.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
