Defra has announced the Sustainable Farming Incentive Expanded Offer for 2024 (SFI 2024) will re-open for applications from 7 July. However, it will not be accepting new applications.
Growers can only apply for the re-opened SFI 2024 offer if they are in either:
- one of the 3 exception groups previously announced by Defra (namely, SFI Pilot, system issues and ‘assisted digital’)
- the eligible ‘started but not submitted’ (SNS) applicant group because an application had started on or after 12 January 2025, but had not submitted before applications closed on 11 March 2025
Defra has amended some application rules. This includes a 6-week window to make an application. This application window will open at 12 noon on 7 July 2025 and close at 11:59pm on 18 August 2025.
Hutchinsons Head of Environmental Services Georgina Wallis, says it is important to start planning now to ensure application compliance. “If you identify as a grower eligible for the re-opened offer, you will be able to log in and complete that application when the window reopens in the RPA portal from 12 noon on the 7th July. The application window will last for six weeks from the 7th July, closing at 11.59pm on the 18th August.”
However, she points out that unless you are one of the ex. pilot agreement holders, whose applications will be uncapped within the details provided by the RPA, those falling into the ‘started but not submitted’ category, will see applications capped at £9,300 per agreement, with only one agreement permitted per SBI number. “Any applications submitted over this figure will be rejected by the RPA, so it is really important to plan now and get it right.”
Start preparing for 26
The scheme closure will understandably have left some frustrated, but she says all is not lost. “We know there is a budget for future agri-environment schemes and further details on this are expected over the summer months for applications in 2026.
“The important thing for now, is to prepare. Ensure your land is registered correctly to the right SBI number, including the correct land covers. As we rapidly approach harvest and planning for the 2026 harvest, consider which actions could work well in your rotation,” she adds.
For those, who are already signed up and settled into a scheme, be that Countryside Stewardship or the SFI, she encourages taking stock.
“Now is the perfect time to review rotations and plans, ensuring that schemes are delivering what they were intended to. Whilst CSS agreements offer less flexibility, the beauty of SFI agreements is that they allow for flexibility—adjustments can be made within the agreement to ensure the scheme works effectively on your farm.”
Despite the overall budget reduction for environmental schemes, Georgina highlights the government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable farming.
“Of course, the devil will be in the detail regarding how funds are divided between Countryside Stewardship, the reformed SFI 2026 offer, and productivity schemes such as grants like the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund,” she says.
But her parting message is clear and optimistic: “Don’t lose hope. There is still time to plan and prepare. If you’re not already in a scheme, getting your house in order now will ensure you’re at the front of the queue when new schemes open up.
“Time invested now will pay dividends for your farm and for the environment.”
