Sustainable Farming Incentive set to open this month
24th June 2022
Speaking at Groundswell ‘22, environment secretary George Eustice announced that the first module will focus on soil.
The first module of SFI focuses on soil.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive will open on 30th June and stay open all year, with first payments expected within three months of registering, Mr Eustice confirmed.
The first module focuses on soil, as it is “at the heart of everything we do”, Mr Eustice added. Next year there will also be modules on nutrients and IPM.
SFI is the first of three new environmental schemes being introduced under the Agricultural Transition Plan. The other two schemes are Local Nature Recovery and Landscape Recovery.
The government says that in 2022 the SFI aims to encourage actions to improve soil health, recognise how moorland provides benefits to the public, and improve animal welfare by helping farmers with the costs of veterinary advice for livestock.
Farmers eligible for the Basic Payment Scheme, with land in England, will be eligible to apply for an SFI standards agreement.
For more information on preparing to apply for an SFI agreement visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/what-to-do-before-you-apply-for-an-sfi-standards-agreement
