Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26)

The Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is part of England’s Environmental Land Management programme and provides financial support to farmers and land managers who undertake approved actions that benefit the environment while supporting sustainable food production. The scheme is administered by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and the Rural Payments Agency.

Rather than offering a single grant amount, SFI26 allows applicants to select from a range of eligible land management actions covering areas such as soil management, biodiversity, water quality, habitat creation, grassland management and other environmental improvements. Payments are linked to the actions and areas of land entered into agreements.

The scheme applies to England and is open to eligible farmers and land managers with qualifying land. Applicants must check the scheme rules, land eligibility requirements and action guidance before applying.

Window 2 is scheduled to open during September 2026 for all farmers and land managers. Applications are made online through the government scheme portal, where applicants can review available actions and submit their agreement requests.