After a flurry of announcements yesterday, Defra has confirmed Window 2 of SFI26 is now closed
Those who started an application but did not submit it before Window 2 closed will not be able to submit it. Defra has sufficient applications to allocate the full Window 2 budget.
Defra will allow two small ‘exception groups’, who contacted the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) before Window 2 closed, to continue with their applications. They are:
- ‘assisted digital’ farmers – who need the RPA to complete an application on their behalf
- ‘technical issue’ farmers – farmers who were prevented from applying because of a technical issue with the application service
The RPA will contact ‘started but not submitted’ Window 2 farmers in due course to confirm whether their applications will be withdrawn, or confirm whether they are in an exception group and can continue with their application.
Defra says the RPA will continue to process applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Applications will be processed in the order in which they were submitted. Some applications require additional checks and can therefore take longer to assess.
Farmers who didn’t apply for Window 2 may be eligible to apply for the SFI offer in 2027. Defra will publish more details in due course.
Many farmers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the scheme, one descibing is as ‘bonkers’.
