CRT welcomes re-opening of SFI and FiPL but calls for long-term certainty

The CRT has welcomed new updates from Defra on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) as a positive step forward for the farming community. 

According to Defra, there will still be plenty of choice, but the SFI scheme has been made simpler and more focused to improve fairness and accessibility. It will be open for new offers later this year through two application windows while FiPL will be extended for a further 3 years, with £30 million in funding confirmed for next year. 

Defra secretary Emma Reynolds unveiled details in a speech to the Oxford Farming Conference, pledging what she called a “new era of partnership” between government and farmers. 

Kerriann McLackland, CRT Head of Estates, said the announcement was a positive step after significant uncertainty caused by the sudden closure of the scheme last year. 

“When Defra suddenly announced last year it will stop accepting new applications for SFI, farmers were left at a total loss. 

“It made it very hard for them to plan their businesses, their livelihoods and the work they do to support nature too.” 

She said confirmation that SFI will re-open brings greater clarity but warned that long-term confidence will depend on continuity. 

“Personally, it’s still wait and see. It’s a positive indication but we do not know how long it will stay open. Landlords and farmers are looking for continuity and that takes time, not just one announcement,” she added. 

Helena Darragh, the CRT’s Head of Conservation, said this announcement offers options and a degree of stability to farmers and land managers. 

She said: “It is encouraging to see that the government is keen to continue to support farmers and land managers with nature-friendly farm practices through SFI, the entry level agri-environment scheme.  

“Once again, the devil will be in the detail with regard to what actions are available, with information on what constitutes a ‘small farm’ still forthcoming. Defra also note that they will be conducting a payment review for previously popular SFI actions. 

“Unfortunately, due to the timings of the application windows, it is unlikely that SFI applicants this year will be able to take action on the ground until 2027.”  Both Helena and Kerriann also welcomed the announcement that the Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme has also been extended for a further three years, with £30 million in funding confirmed for next year.  

On CRT farms, FiPL funding has supported a range of projects, including an accessible pathway at Pierrepont Farm, a vending machine for tenant farmer Kayleigh Robb, and access improvements at Babers Farm in Dorset.  “The strength of FiPL is that it is delivered through Natural Landscapes so it is delivered by local officers who have an invested local need and local knowledge,” added Kerriann.