We have been informed by the Rural Payments Agency that the application window to apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is set to open 18th September 2023 on a 'staggered basis'. Farmers will be paid to undertake actions that improve farm productivity, whilst protecting the environment.
The agreement will last for three years from its start date and can be 'upgraded' annually to add more actions or eligible land. There is no current deadline to apply for the SFI and applicants are encouraged to apply to suit them.
On top of the SFI actions, the scheme offers a 'management payment' of £20 per Ha for the first 50Ha entered into the agreement.
The SFI actions include:
- Soil and hedgerow management options - e.g. SAM3 (Herbal leys) - £382 per hectare.
- Nutrient and pest management options - e.g. NUM1 (Assess nutrient management and produce a review report) - £589 per year.
- Farm wildlife on arable and Buffer strip options - e.g. AHL4 (4m to 12m buffer strip on arable and horticultural land) - £451 per hectare.
- Farm wildlife on improved grassland and low input grassland options - e.g. IGL2 (Winter bird food on improved grassland) - £474 per hectare.
Your total annual payment will be paid in four equal quarterly instalments. Although the SFI does not offer funding for capital items, it can be used alongside the Countryside Stewardship Capital Grant and the Farming Investment Fund.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) have stated there will be more payment actions to come in 2024!If you would like us to send you the full list of the actions or apply for the SFI on your behalf, please call the team on 01630 692500.