After reopening in July, farmers now have just days ahead of the 18th August deadline to make sure their application for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 is considered.
Charlotte Ibbs, of chartered surveyor Bruton Knowles , is urging farmers to check their application progress to avoid missing out.
The scheme reopened on July 7th exclusively for around 3,000 farmers who had started an application after January 12th but did not submit it by March 11th. With the deadline fast approaching, many farmers could be at risk of missing out on financial support if they don’t ensure their applications are completed on time.
“The sudden closure of the application process has left a lasting mark on the farming community and trust in the system has been significantly shaken.
“Regardless, we strongly encourage farmers and landowners to double-check the status of any applications they may have started before the unexpected closure. With the busy demands of the farming calendar, it can be easy to let these things slip through the cracks, but the SFI provides valuable financial support, and a quick check now could prevent missed opportunities later. There is still the opportunity to complete and submit them
“If you are unsure of where things stand or need help navigating the process, get in contact with our team as soon as possible.”
In response to the closure, Defra has announced plans to reform the SFI process, with changes expected to take effect in 2026. However, Charlotte believes several key improvements are needed to rebuild trust in the farming community. “Transparency and communication need to be the cornerstones of the reformed SFI. This means clear timelines and early warning notices in the case of closures or caps so that farmers and landowners can plan with confidence.
“Creating a more open dialogue with the sector is crucial as the success of the new SFI will not only rely on what it offers but how openly and reliably it is delivered. Clearly, sharing the criteria for closures or pauses can avoid confusion and frustration, whilst publicly publishing allocation thresholds can help avoid surprise cutoffs. Like many in the sector, I am intrigued to see how this new scheme will be delivered.”
