Farmers Face Financial Uncertainty as Defra Halts Sustainable Farming Incentive
The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) is urging the Government to introduce an interim support scheme following the unexpected closure of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to new applicants. The decision by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) to halt the scheme, a key part of the Environmental Land Management scheme (ELMs), has left many farmers without vital financial assistance.
Sudden Closure Sparks Concerns Over Financial Stability
On 11 March, Defra announced the immediate suspension of new applications for the SFI, citing exhausted funding. This abrupt move has sparked concerns among farmers who were relying on the scheme to maintain financial stability while implementing environmentally beneficial practices.
The NFFN warns that without an alternative support mechanism, thousands of farmers will struggle to sustain their businesses and environmental commitments. The organisation is calling for an interim scheme that provides targeted financial assistance, ensuring farmers can continue their essential work while awaiting the next round of government support.
NFFN Criticises SFI’s Management and Calls for Improvements
The NFFN has also voiced concerns over the structure and management of the SFI. It argues that too much funding has been directed towards ineffective measures that have delivered little benefit to the environment. The abrupt closure, the NFFN claims, highlights fundamental flaws in the scheme’s design.
Martin Lines, CEO of the NFFN, stated: The Government needs to move quickly to implement a temporary support scheme. Farmers cannot afford to wait 18 months for financial aid. We are not asking for a complete overhaul overnight, but a well-targeted approach to support those in urgent need is essential. He further criticised the Government’s handling of the closure, stating: “Many of the issues that led to this situation were predictable. Ministers and civil servants should have foreseen them. The lack of prior warning has left thousands of farmers in a difficult financial position, which is completely unacceptable. Lessons must be learned to prevent similar disruptions in the future.”
Long-Term Planning and Trust in Government at Risk
The sudden withdrawal of the SFI application process has also deepened the divide between the farming community and the Government. With trust already strained, the closure has further undermined confidence in government support for sustainable farming initiatives.
Farmers require stability to make long-term decisions about land management, and constant changes to support systems create uncertainty. The NFFN stresses that consistency is essential for the agricultural sector to thrive.
Lines added: “Farmers are ready and willing to contribute to the Government’s environmental and food security priorities. However, they need timely and reliable support to do so effectively. The Government must ensure that future schemes are designed to deliver real benefits for both farmers and the environment.”
A Call for Immediate Action
The NFFN urges the Government to:
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Implement an interim support scheme to provide financial relief to affected farmers.
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Reform future agri-environment schemes to ensure they deliver meaningful environmental and financial benefits.
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Improve communication and transparency regarding funding decisions.
The abrupt closure of the SFI has underscored the need for a more effective and predictable system that supports farmers while advancing environmental goals. The NFFN remains committed to working with policymakers to develop solutions that ensure the future resilience of the UK’s farming sector.