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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

SFI26 update: Window 1 now closed

Posted by: Tom Foster, Posted on: 29 August 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive

Window 1 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) has now closed. We expect Window 2 to open from 22 September. This post provides an overview of figures and insights from Window 1.

Read more of SFI26 update: Window 1 now closed

SFI26 update: 75% of Window 1 funding now allocated

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 13 July 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Aerial view of a green agricultural field bordered by a hedgerow, with a large tree and dense woodland along the edge of gently sloping farmland.

75% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.

Read more of SFI26 update: 75% of Window 1 funding now allocated - 4 comments

SFI26 update: 50% of Window 1 budget now allocated

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 3 July 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Green crop field in the foreground with a dense line of trees and hedgerows in the background beneath a bright, cloud-filled sky.

We can confirm that around 50% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has been allocated, based on applications received to date.

Read more of SFI26 update: 50% of Window 1 budget now allocated - 4 comments

Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 2 July 2026 - Categories: Countryside Stewardship
Sheep grazing on species-rich grassland in a gently sloping pasture, with mixed grasses and wild plants in the foreground, trees along the field edge, and rolling countryside in the background.

This post outlines our plans to expand CSHT to more farmers and land managers in England.

Read more of Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier - 2 comments

SFI26 update: around 25% of window 1 budget now allocated

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 1 July 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Wide view of a large green crop field with tramlines stretching into the distance, bordered by trees and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

We can confirm that around 25% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.

Read more of SFI26 update: around 25% of window 1 budget now allocated

Capital Grants 2026: guidance now available

Posted by: Sarah Blatchford, Posted on: 28 May 2026 - Categories: Grants

Guidance for the 2026 Capital Grants offer is now available on GOV.UK. Capital Grants help farmers and land managers pay for environmental improvements that support food production, improve water and air quality, support nature, and help farms become more resilient.

Read more of Capital Grants 2026: guidance now available - 24 comments

Get ready to apply for SFI26

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 6 May 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Open Dell laptop on a wooden table displaying a “Land summary” webpage with an aerial map of agricultural land divided into blue outlined plots, with a blue teapot on a red mat beside the laptop.

Initial information on the SFI26 scheme is now live on GOV.UK for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1.

Read more of Get ready to apply for SFI26

NFU26: how we’re building farming resilience

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 24 February 2026 - Categories: Farming and Countryside Team
Secretary of State Emma Reynolds standing at the lectern NFU26

Today at the NFU Conference, Secretary of State Emma Reynolds shared more detail on how government will deliver its vision for agriculture. In this post, we summarise the announcements in her speech and what they mean for the sector.

Read more of NFU26: how we’re building farming resilience - 3 comments

FETF 2025: Over 8,800 applicants offered grant funding

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 15 October 2025 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
Caption: A mobile sheep handling system purchased with help from FETF.

We’re pleased to confirm that over 8,800 applicants have successfully secured funding through this year’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). Grant Funding Agreements (GFAs) have now been sent. 

Read more of FETF 2025: Over 8,800 applicants offered grant funding - 18 comments

Capital Grants now open for applications 

Posted by: Sarah Blatchford, Posted on: 3 July 2025 - Categories: Grants
Alt text: Secretary of State Steve Reed stands beside farmer Mike Roberts in a farmhouse kitchen. They are looking at a tablet screen together, with mugs and a teapot on the counter in front of them. Decorative plates are displayed on a shelf above. The atmosphere appears informal and focused.

The Capital Grants offer is now open for new applications. This new round will make £150 million of funding available to farmers, land managers and rural businesses for practical environmental improvements across England.

Read more of Capital Grants now open for applications  - 11 comments
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