Latest updates to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Scheme

Defra have recently updated the guidance for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. These updates aim to provide clearer instructions and expand the options available to farmers and land managers. Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:

Expanded guidance and additional actions

Defra have updated the SFI terms and conditions, allowing participants to access more actions and include additional land by entering into a second agreement. Key updates include:

• Technical changes: Revised guidance now includes technical adjustments and additional information on supplemental SFI actions.
• Clarified wording: Defra has refined the language of actions published in May to ensure clarity for farmers and land managers.
• Detailed changes: All modifications are listed on Defra's ‘Find funding for land or farms’ page, typically involving minor clarifications or extra information for better understanding.

Endorsed actions for priority habitats and species

Certain SFI actions focus on priority habitats, species, and heritage features, requiring approval from relevant authorities. These are known as endorsed actions.

• Application process: Upon submitting an application with an endorsed action, Natural England or Historic England will assess land suitability.
• Initial endorsed action: The first endorsed action is GRH6: Manage priority species-rich grassland. More details on this and additional endorsed actions will be available soon.
• Further information: Refer to Section 1.2 of the scheme information for comprehensive details on endorsed actions.

Voluntary advice for good practice

To further support farmers, Defra has introduced new voluntary advice for each SFI action, providing examples and guidance on best practices.

• Optional guidance: This advice aims to reassure farmers unsure about the correct implementation of actions.
• Accessibility: The voluntary advice is available under each action on Defra's 'Find funding for land or farms' page.
• Flexibility: This approach makes the SFI less prescriptive compared to previous schemes.

New capital items for enhanced support

Defra has also added new capital items to the agri-environment capital grants offer, enhancing the support available to farmers:

New capital items

• AF1: Plant an agroforestry woodland tree
• AF2: Plant an agroforestry fruit tree
• AF3: Supplement: Species diversity bonus
• TE6: Tree guard (tube and mesh)
• TE7: Tree guard (wood post and rail)
• TE8: Tree guard (wood post and wire)
• PA4: Agroforestry plan
• PA5: Moorland mapping plan

In total, there are now 105 capital items and 5 plans available, supporting actions like protecting newly planted trees and better planning for moorland management. These grants can be accessed independently or to assist with SFI actions.