An Introduction to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) – Rosie Uden (Chippenham)

The RPA announced on 2^nd December 2021 the initial stage of the SFI and have introduced the following guidance on their new ‘Standards’; this being the term given to the optional schemes that the SFI is introducing.  This is the first time that the RPA have confirmed absolute payment rates and requirements for the scheme, ahead of its launch next year.

The Standards are split into levels- Introductory, Intermediate and Advanced, and the higher the level, the higher the payment rates and requirements of the scheme.  At present, there will just be an introductory level for the moorland and rough grazing standard and both introductory and intermediate levels for the soil standards.  It is expected more levels and standards will be added in subsequent years such as hedgerows and farmland biodiversity.

Applications will open in 2022 (date TBC).  It is not a requirement to entire a whole farm into the SFI and there is no minimum area required to apply.  Unlike other existing Agri- environment schemes, each year agreement holders will be able to amend agreements by adding land, opting into new standards, and changing the levels of standards.  However, only in exceptional circumstances can you remove standards or reduce levels, so it is best to start small and add more on in subsequent years.

You can apply for SFI on parcels which are in an existing Countryside Stewardship agreement, providing you aren’t being paid for the same action twice, for example, planting Cover Crops. Agreements will last three years, and it is expected payments will be made quarterly.

Information relating to the prescriptions of each scheme can be found beneath, along with a likely cost analysis for undertaking each Standard.

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Contact Rosie at rosieuden@fcgagric.com or your local FCG office, for detail on the practical implications for your farm.