Closure of SFI scheme a 'blow' for farmers

THE closure of the sustainable farming incentive scheme will devastate incomes, a poll has suggested.

- COREENA FORD

Defra announced last month that it had closed its Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme to new applications, saying the Government had committed £5bn over two years to sustainable farming and nature recovery, and that it had “worked hard to get as many farmers into environmental land management schemes as possible”

Defra said existing agreements would be honoured and applications already submitted will be processed - but those yet to submit claimed they had been stranded.

Details of a revised SFI offer are to be set out following the Spending Review, including when it will open for applications.

A poll of CLA (Country Land and Business Association) members has now found that almost 95% of respondents were looking to apply for more Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) options before it was suddenly closed.

The CLA survey has unveiled the widespread impact and damage it will have on farming incomes.

Around 312 members took part in the survey and almost 95% intended to apply for more options in the expanded offer, while 54% are currently in an SFI agreement. Around 40% are not but intended to apply for options in the expanded offer.