The UK's Premier Agricultural Machinery and Technology Show

20–21 January 2027, NEC, Birmingham

Event Details

Martin Lines: "The closure of SFI has highlighted just how fragile the current system is"

Mr Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, writes about Defra’s sudden SFI closure, how farm support payments are 'failing' farmers, the urgent action needed and why farmers cannot wait 18 months

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Martin Lines, chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network said: "With no new scheme available until 2026, thousands of farmers are left wondering how to keep their businesses viable in the meantime. Waiting 18 months for a new scheme simply is not an option."
Image:

Martin Lines, chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network said: "With no new scheme available until 2026, thousands of farmers are left wondering how to keep their businesses viable in the meantime. Waiting 18 months for a new scheme simply is not an option."

Sustainable Farming Incentive Last week's sudden closure of applications to the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) took everyone by surprise, leaving many farmers in limbo. Some were on the...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

Lib Dems attack 'shambolic SFI lottery' as party accuses Conservatives and Labour of leaving farmers 'high and dry'
Politics

Lib Dems attack 'shambolic SFI lottery' as party accuses Conservatives and Labour of leaving farmers 'high and dry'

Liberal Democrat Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson Tim Farron said turning months of planning and work into a scramble was an 'insult' to the agriculture industry

Jane Thynne
Jane Thynne
clock 21 October 2026 • 3 min read
Newbury tractor protest calls for PM to 'put words into action' and axe the family farm tax
Politics

Newbury tractor protest calls for PM to 'put words into action' and axe the family farm tax

Over 100 tractors took part in the rally at Newbury Showground

Rachael Brown
Rachael Brown
clock 21 October 2026 • 3 min read
India trade visit reaffirms need to protect domestic market, says NFU
Politics

India trade visit reaffirms need to protect domestic market, says NFU

NFU president said exports were an important part of keeping the domestic market ‘honest'

Rachael Brown
Rachael Brown
clock 21 October 2026 • 4 min read