Tom is a policy lead in Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive team.
His team is responsible for developing, testing and refining policy for the scheme roll out from 2022. This team works with the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme pilot, tests and trials, and other parts of new environmental land management schemes
In this post, we’ll share details of the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and links for you to learn more.
We plan to launch the Sustainable Farming Incentive in June. Today we can share the final standards and payment rates, our approach to the applications process and how to prepare, In this post, I’ll provide an overview and share links to further information on GOV.UK. I’ll also explain how farmers have directly shaped the scheme …
Today we published further information on the Sustainable Farming Incentive. You can find it, in full, on GOV.UK. In this post, I’ll share a summary of the things that are new, the things we’ve changed following feedback and what you can expect in 2022.
In July, we opened the applications window for farmers to join our Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot. In this post, Lisa Applin (Rural Payments Agency) and Tom Lewis (Future Farming and Countryside Programme) share the results of the application process, what the team learned and what they will do next.
In March, we invited farmers to express interest in taking part in the first Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot. In this post, we'd like to share the response and what we’ll do next.
In this post, I'll provide an overview of our approach to payments for farmers taking part in the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot.
At NFU21, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, spoke about the Sustainable Farming Incentive. In this post, Tom Lewis explains our approach to SFI and what you need to know.
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.
Join two free evening webinars:
17 November at 7pm PA4 Agroforestry plans explained.
25 November at 7pm Tenant Farmers Association (TFA): one year with Alan Laidlaw.
You can also watch previous recordings on our webinars page.
11 November Herefordshire Rural Business Hub at Skylon Park in Hereford.
12 November Nature Finance Conference at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre in London.
13 November ASAO Conference at the South of England Showground, in Haywards Heath.
Check out the list of other shows and events we’re attending.
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.
The Farm Business Survey (FBS) gives farmers free, confidential insights into their business, helping them understand performance and see how their farm compares with similar businesses.
By taking part, farmers also help build a better picture of farming in England.
If you’re thinking about getting a heat pump, check out the Boiler Upgrade Scheme (BUS).
The scheme helps property owners switch from fossil fuel heating to a cleaner heating system by providing money towards the upfront cost. Households are able to access the scheme and it isn’t means-tested.
You can get a £7,500 grant towards the cost and installation of an air or ground source heat pump. If your home is heated by oil or LPG, you could receive £9,000 towards a heat pump.
Find out more about getting a heat pump on the government’s Clean Energy website.
