February 13: Farming Minister said giving notice on SFI closure would have led to a 'spike in applications'

In today's Farming in Five, chief reporter Rachael Brown analyses the fall out from the closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), with the Farming Minister telling MPs that farmers were not given notice on closure as it would have led to a 'further spike in applications'. The National Trust says Defra's decision to close SFI to new applications will leave farmers facing a 'four month funding gap'. And she takes a look at the NFU's farmer confidence survey which is reportedly at an 'all time low'

Rachael Brown

13 March 2025 • 1 min read

READ LATEST NEWS STORIES:

It was not possible to give any further warning on SFI24 closure, says Farming Minister

Defra stops accepting new applications for SFI 24

Farmers brand Defra's update to stop SFI24 an 'absolute shambles'

National Trust says Defra SFI decision will leave farmers facing a four-month funding gap

NFU survey reveals farmer confidence hits all-time low

Efra chair demands answers from Defra over its response to the foot-and-mouth outbreak in Germany

Farming in Five: Profitability in focus at Great Yorkshire Show

In today's Farming in Five, news and business reporter Mia Willemsen discusses a new report which suggests half of farmers in York and North Yorkshire are not making a sustainable profit, the focus on profitability on the show and, keeping on the same theme, the discussions around making regen ag pay at Groundswell

Mia Willemsen

11 July 2025 • 1 min read

Farming in Five

Farming in Five: MPs in hot water over farming comments plus a new rural crime strategy for Wales

Farming in Five: Wales' First Minister Eluned Morgan and Labour MP Julia Berkley have come under fire this week for comments made about the farming industry. However, there is better news for Welsh farmers, as the Government unveils its latest rural crime strategy

Jane Thynne

10 July 2025 • 1 min read

Farming in Five

Farming in Five: More than 80% of farmers think climate change will impact business; new laws could see growers pay all seasonal worker costs; and 192 tractors go pink for breast cancer run

As another heatwave heats the UK, farmers reveal their fears about the impact of climate change on their businesses. Changes to employer laws could see growers forced to pay all Seasonal Worker Scheme costs and 192 'Pink Ladies' take to the road in a record-breaking run for breast cancer

Jane Thynne

09 July 2025 • 1 min read