The recent announcement of SFI 24 comes with some perks but it is extremely important to note that the devil is in the detail here!

So, what has changed for SFI 24 –

(1) Rotation vs Static actions – a number of options that under SFI 23 were rotational (i.e., you could move them from field to field, year on year to work within your crop rotation) are now static (fixed in the same location for the duration of the agreement).  One example of this is the legume fallow option.  Therefore, if you are establishing it as a new legume fallow you must maintain the area in the same field throughout the agreement period, therefore no longer can it be used as short-term legume fallow fix.

Another example is the No-till farming option – therefore if you are considering this, please ensure you can operate a no till system within your crop rotation on the same field for the duration of the agreement – crop rotation planning is key here.

(2) New options – a long list of new options (same but different) which sound very similar to the old Countryside stewardship options but allow for more flexibility to stack options. i.e., Low Input grassland under SFI 24 can be stacked with the Hay Making supplement.  (Unfortunately, if you are in the CS GS2 option this is not eligible to you).

(3) Renaming of all the existing codes. – just when we were all getting to grips with the SFI Codes the RPA decide to rename them all. i.e., LIG1 is now CLIG1

(4) The 50% rule – important to note this only applies to ‘Rotational’ actions.

(5) More options have been added to the 25% cap list, these now include 10 actions.

SFI is becoming more and more complex, not only in drawing up the schemes but also in submitting the applications on the portal.  We have encountered a number of errors with the system which then requires numerous phone calls and emails back and forth with the RPA to resolve them.  The sooner we can resolve these issues, the sooner we can get your applications up and running.

To discuss SFI in more detail, please contact Steph Emmerson at stephemmerson@fcgagric.com  or your local FCG Office.