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

'Robust planning' still essential despite IHT change
Politics

'Robust planning' still essential despite IHT change

Lawyers and advisers have warned many farms and estates will still face large bills

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 24 December 2025 • 3 min read
From the editor: Merry Christmas from us all at Farmers Guardian
Politics

From the editor: Merry Christmas from us all at Farmers Guardian

This week from Farmers Guardian editor Katie Jones

Katie Jones
Katie Jones
clock 24 December 2025 • 1 min read
Celebrity Big Brother finalist Cameron Kinch calls for Gov to raise IHT threshold to £5m
Politics

Celebrity Big Brother finalist Cameron Kinch calls for Gov to raise IHT threshold to £5m

Somerset farmer Cameron Kinch broke down in tears on the show earlier this year when after revealing he would use potential winnings to pay an IHT bill. He said Government should now go one step further in doubling the new £2.5m threshold before April next year

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 23 December 2025 • 3 min read