Welcome news for SFI applicants

Farmers who were locked out of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme despite being midway through an application will now be allowed to access support.

Soil Association Head of Farming Policy Gareth Morgan said: “We welcome the news that those farmers who were mid-way through their SFI applications when it was suddenly closed in March will now be allowed to complete their applications for support up to a maximum of £9,300.

“The Soil Association has been active in highlighting to Defra the impact of the unexpected closure on organic farmers and those considering organic conversion. These payments are critical to support farmers taking the significant steps required to improve sustainability and support nature. We know that many have been discouraged from committing to plans without the reassurance the SFI payments offered. Many will not have begun their applications and so will not be eligible for funding.

“It is therefore critical that Defra come forward with details of the SFI replacement scheme as early as possible and back this up with a clear organic action plan that could help to mirror the success seen in Scotland and other European countries.”

There remains some confusion about who will be eligible to restart their applications, what they will be able to apply for, and the sums available.

Organic beef farmer and Soil Association Ambassador John Kerr said: "This does feel like a bit of a sticking plaster over a major mistake to save face but it is still lacking in detail and is restrictive in terms of what is available.

"It has taken us 40 years to get our farm in the right track for biodiversity - at times we have been able to call on grants but what we and new entrants to organic and sustainable farming really need is clarity and support for the long-term so we can make the changes necessary for nature."