Applications Open
Applications have now opened for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), and will remain open indefinitely (if there is a need to close application, this date will be publicised with 6 weeks’ notice)
The new application system is designed to be quick and easy to use. There will be new functionality to allow automated checks, and ensure a quicker turnaround time to offer agreements. This means you should usually receive your agreement offer within 2 months of submitting your application, and in many cases more quickly than that.
The new functionality will be rolled out through July to ensure service and support can be maintained at a good level. This means that although all farmers who are eligible for Basic Payments will be able to apply, there may be different ways into the application service for different groups of farmers.
What to do before you apply?
Before you apply to SFI, there are some things you can do to make your application easier:
- Check your registered contact details and permissions (using the rural payments service)
- Register on the Rural Payments service if you’re setting up a single entity for common land
- Check that you and your land are eligible
- the land parcels currently linked to your SBI
- the ‘available area’ for SFI in those land parcels, based on the land covers currently registered that are eligible for each standard
In case you’ve forgotten…
- In 2022, there will be 3 SFI standards available, with different levels and payments.
- SFI standards agreements will last for 3 years, and you will need to have ‘management control’ of the land entered for its 3 year duration.
- Payments will be made on a quarterly basis, with the first payment being made 3 months after the start of your agreement
- Capital items will not be funded in 2022
- The Annual Health and Welfare Review will be part of the 2022 SFI offer, and plans are in place to open applications more widely in the autumn.
| Standard | Level | Payment |
| Arable and horticultural soils | Introductory | £22 per hectare |
| Intermediate | £40 per hectare | |
| Improved grassland soils | Introductory | £28 per hectare |
| Intermediate | £58 per hectare | |
| Moorland | Introductory | £10.30 per hectare |
| Additional payment | £265 per agreement |
There will also be an additional annual payment of £6.15 per hectare (ha) for common land entered into a separate SFI standards agreement.
In the future, more standards will be introduced. You’ll be able to add these to your agreement, as well as increase levels and add land.
If you would like to apply for any of the new Agricultural Transition scheme grants, experts at DR Company have the knowledge to guide you through your project from planning to completion, and assist you in every step of your grant application. Get in touch today on 01837 658643.
