Defra has announced that those with ELM revenue agreements that expire by the end of February 2027 can start an application early.
This means they can begin an SFI26 application and apply for land that is currently in their ELM revenue agreement before that agreement ends. This will take effect when Window 2 opens. Defra will test and refine the new feature in the application service with a small number of farmers and land managers before it is available to everyone.
Of the 1,188 SFI agreements offered to farmers in Window 1, 922 were accepted by 31 July, meaning they were able to start on 1 August. It says that around two-thirds of farmers have accepted their agreement offer within 2 days. For those still to do so, Defra requests they accept their offers as quickly as possible.
When Window 1 was launched, Defra stated it was likely to remain open for around 2 months, unless all the available funding for this window was allocated sooner. This means Window 1 will close no later than 11:59 pm on 28 August 2026.
Eligible farmers for Window 1 who do not apply during this window can apply in Window 2 instead.
Window 2 will open in September 2026 for all farmers and land managers, with a budget of £180 million. Defra will confirm the date it expects to open applications once Window 1 has closed; any funding not allocated through Window 1 will be added to the budget for Window 2.
For more information on ELM agreements, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26/sfi26-scheme-rules-and-guidance#check-if-youre-eligible-to-apply
