CRT responds to Defra's "shock" announcement to stop accepting new applications for SFI 24

The CRT is appalled by Defra’s sudden announcement that it will stop accepting new applications for SFI 24. 

The news leaves farmers at a total loss. These are farmers who plan their businesses and their livelihoods and want to help nature too- and the government has pulled the rug from under them. 

Defra said more than 50,000 farm businesses were benefitting from farming schemes and more money was being spent through the SFI than ever. 

But what about the farmers who were still submitting applications? They have had no notice. This is the second time the Government has done this in the past few months as they stopped the capital grant scheme with no notice.  

Kerriann McLackland, the CRT’s Head of Estates, said: “This shock announcement is a devastating blow to farmers and land managers everywhere. Those farmers working tirelessly to produce food alongside being custodians and restorers of our countryside have been treated with contempt.  

"Sadly, for some, I fear that this may be the final straw that sends some producers to the wall, especially those producing fabulous local food on a relatively small scale.  

“The Government has said it wants to drive growth - no business can grow and thrive when the framework in which they are operating is smashed to pieces with no notice. 

 “This latest move by the Government is a direct attack on the environment, landscape, heritage, and rural economy as well as farming.  

“British farmers want to deliver for the environment, for the countryside, for nature as well as produce high quality food but to do so requires a relationship of trust with policymakers. This announcement has further destroyed the trust between farmers and Defra. 

“To say I am furious and devastated is an understatement." 

Helena Darragh, the CRT's Head of Conservation, said it was unbelievably frustrating and disheartening to hear that applications to SFI have been closed for 2025.

She said: "Not only was the scheme set to be a lifeline for many farmers in this Agricultural Transition period, but it was to crucially provide a foundation for nature’s recovery and conservation effort across England.

"Agri-environment schemes have been a vital component within the UK’s agricultural policy for decades, and this surprise decision to pull the plug on SFI applications for 2025 in a time of ecological emergency is totally unbelievable. The CRT and CRT tenants were intending to submit SFI applications in the coming weeks to continue to manage valuable habitats. We will continue to do all we can to support our farmers to farm with nature in mind, despite the message that this announcement sends."