The UK government has stopped accepting new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), citing full budget allocation for the year. The scheme, part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme, pays farmers for nature-friendly practices such as maintaining hedgerows and reducing pesticide use.
Defra stated that 50,000 farm businesses—covering over half of England’s farmland—are now enrolled in environmental land management schemes, which have a £5 billion budget over two years. However, the suspension of new applications has drawn strong criticism from farming groups.
The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) called the move a “shattering blow,” warning that farmers left out of the scheme may have to abandon environmental efforts to stay financially viable. The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) described the decision as harmful to both farming and nature. The Nature Friendly Farming Network (NFFN) raised concerns that delays in the next SFI rollout, expected in spring 2026, could leave many farmers without support for 18 months.
Political figures, including Alistair Carmichael, chair of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, criticised the abrupt decision, warning it could further destabilise the sector. The government has defended its funding approach, stating that more farmers are now receiving payments than ever before.
