DEFRA confirms that the Sustainable Agricultural Incentive (SFI) scheme will resume for applications on July 7th, offering a limited second chance for eligible farmers to apply.
However, it only covers farmers within a specific “exception group,” and the agriculture company Hutchinsons encourages affected people to act quickly and plan with caution.
Eligible applicants are those who participated in the original SFI pilot scheme, those who previously reported issues with the system to the Rural Payment Agency (RPA), and those who did not submit applications between January 12th and November 11th, 2025.
“If you are identified as a grower qualifying for a reopen offer, you can log in and complete the application when the window reopens in the RPA portal.
“This application period will last for six weeks from July 7th, August 18th until 11:59pm.”
She also highlighted a significant financial cap. “Unless you are a former pilot contract holder, if your application is not suppressed, applications from people in the ‘No Start submitted’ category will reach £9,300 per contract with only one contract per SBI number.
“All submitted above will be rejected. Plan now and make sure you make it right.”
Many growers who had not applied before DEFRA’s sudden scheme closure earlier this year remained locked out of current opportunities.
Miss Wallis acknowledged the frustration. “The sudden closure of SFI for new applicants by Defra has left many disappointed. But the important message is that everything will not be lost.”
She encouraged growers to use this time to prepare for future schemes that are likely to open in 2026.
“We know that the agricultural environment scheme has a budget and details are expected later this summer.
“Now is the time to use accurate land covers to ensure that your land is registered correctly with the correct SBI number.
“When you move to harvest and start planning for 2026, think about which actions will suit your rotation.”
For those already signed up for SFI or Countryside Stewardship (CSS), Miss Wallis advised that they consider their current contract to ensure that they provide the intended outcome.
“CSS reduces flexibility, but SFI allows adjustments within the contract. This is a real advantage. Now is the time to see if your rotation and actions are in line with your goals.”
She recommended seeking advice from an agriculture scholar or expert environmental advisor, allowing her to review options and prepare for future changes.
Despite the overall decline in the agricultural environment budget, Miss Wallis said the government remains committed to supporting sustainable agriculture.
“Of course, the devil will elaborate on how funds will be split between productivity schemes such as CSS, SFI 2026 offers, Agricultural Equipment and Technology Fund, etc., but there are opportunities ahead.”
Her final message to the farmers was clear and constructive. “Don’t lose hope, there is still time to plan and prepare.
“If you are not already in the scheme, you can make sure you are in front of the queue when a new offer is available.
“The time invested now will pay dividends to your farm and the environment.”
