How farmers can prepare for the Sustainable Farming Incentive reopening in June

A national property consultancy is urging farmers and landowners to be prepared and alert to the imminent reopening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) application window in June. Carter Jonas says businesses which fail to prepare now risk missing out on funding opportunities in what is likely to be a highly competitive environment. READ MORE: Want to farm regeneratively? These top tips are a starting point Chris Turner, partner at Carter Jonas, says farm businesses should already be reviewing their options ahead of the June opening for eligible smaller holdings, with broader access due later in the year. "We currently await opening of the June round of Sustainable Farming Incentive, which will be available to farms under 50ha and where there is no other Environmental Land Management revenue agreement," he said. "Defra has published the headline rates for the reduced number of options, but not as yet updated prescriptions, although they are likely to be generally very comparable." Strong demand is expected when the wider SFI 2026 offer opens in September, particularly against a backdrop of squeezed commodity prices and expiring stewardship agreements. All agreements will be subject to the overall cap of £100,000 per annum and area limits relating to the holding Carter Jonas warns that uncertainty around future schemes, coupled with tighter margins and pressure on public spending, means businesses cannot afford to take a passive approach. "While the temptation to wait for a full picture is understandable, doing nothing is the last thing that landowners should consider," said Mr Turner. How to prepare The firm is advising businesses to immediately review likely SFI and Countryside Stewardship options, model agreements against the £100,000 annual cap and prepare draft applications so they are ready to submit as soon as windows open. Mr Turner also warns farmers to ensure Rural Payments Agency data is fully up to date before demand increases. "Update land use, boundaries, and holding links on the RPA portal now," he said. "Rural Payments Service changes are quiet today, but they won't be once guidance drops." Carter Jonas is also encouraging businesses to protect existing environmental features wherever possible, despite gaps between schemes and funding uncertainty. Mr Turner said: "There may be no active agreement in place requiring features to be maintained after agreements end, and no BPS annual land-use return to evidence where features existed. "Where margins, corridors and other key features already exist, businesses should plan carefully before making changes." The firm believes many farmers remain committed to environmental delivery despite frustrations around policy clarity and scheme administration. "Farmers feel passionately about the environmental work they have done over the past 30 years and they want to carry it through," Mr Turner continued. "Policy clarity may be slow, but farm businesses cannot afford to be. "Get your plan on paper, fix your RPA data, and be poised to submit the day the window opens." READ MORE: Lack of faith in the Government is a key driver in low feelings among the farming community, FG survey finds