The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for 2023 is poised to launch in August, presenting an enhanced and expanded program for farmers nationwide. With the aim of simplifying the application process and granting farmers greater flexibility in selecting eligible actions, the SFI 2023 has garnered significant anticipation.
Under the upcoming SFI, farmers will receive financial incentives for adopting sustainable agricultural practices that bolster food production, improve farm productivity, and contribute to environmental betterment. Recognising the importance of balancing agricultural output and ecological protection, the expanded SFI intends to achieve this equilibrium.
To ensure inclusivity across different farm types, the SFI 2023 will introduce additional actions. These actions encompass diverse themes such as soil health, moorland preservation, hedgerow management, integrated pest control, nutrient management, farmland wildlife preservation, buffer strips, and low-input grassland. When implemented on a larger scale, these measures will support sustainable food production and align with the environmental objectives outlined in the government's Environmental Improvement Plan.
Farmers participating in the SFI 2023 can anticipate compensation for various actions. For instance, managing a single side of a hedgerow can yield £10 per 100 meters, with an additional £10 per 100 meters for the maintenance or establishment of hedgerow trees. Multi-species cover crops may earn farmers £129 per hectare, while a nutrient management review can provide them with £589. Optimising nutrient usage not only reduces carbon emissions and enhances the natural environment but can also lead to potential cost savings for farmers.
To improve accessibility and responsiveness, the government has incorporated farmer feedback to streamline the SFI. The scheme will remain adaptable, accommodating evolving needs and market demands to ensure optimal outcomes for both food production and the environment.
Tenant farmers will benefit from the adjustments made following Baroness Rock's review. Shorter agreement lengths that do not necessitate landlord consent have been introduced, making the SFI 2023 more accessible to those on short-term agreements. Furthermore, the payment rates for low-input grassland actions have been standardised for both upland and lowland areas.
The introduction of the SFI 2023 aligns with the government's commitment to support farmers and promote sustainable agriculture. These flexible and accessible farming schemes, coupled with recent measures announced at the Farm to Fork Summit, safeguard and enhance the environment while ensuring a reliable food supply. The initiatives form part of the £2.4 billion annual farming budget, protected for the entirety of this parliament.
How to apply
Commencing in August, the SFI 2023 will undergo a controlled rollout. During the initial roll out period, when farmers sign into the Rural Payments service, they will either be able to apply online or will be asked to contact the Rural Payments Agency, who will arrange for them to start an application.
With the government's steadfast commitment to sustainable agriculture and the expanded SFI offering, the farming sector is poised for a greener and more resilient future.
