After reopening in July, farmers now have just days ahead of the 18th August deadline to make sure their application for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 is considered. The scheme was closed abruptly in March, but due to widespread criticism applications were reopened in early July for approximately 3,000 farmers who had started but not submitted.
Charlotte Ibbs, Head of Rural at national chartered surveyor Bruton Knowles , is urging farmers to check their application progress to avoid missing out.
Launched in 2022, the SFI payment programme rewards farmers in England for their adoption of sustainable practices and reduced carbon emissions. Supporting the farming community financially, it is open to landowners, tenants and some common land users.
Part of the SFI incentive is a management payment for the first 50 hectares, landowners will receive £40 per hectare in the first year of the agreement, followed by £20 per hectare for the next two years. Additional payments are made for actions that deliver high environmental benefits.
However, in March the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) halted applications abruptly, without prior notice, leaving many farmers unable to complete applications, causing significant disruption to financial planning.
The scheme reopened on July 7th exclusively for around 3,000 farmers who had started an application after January 12th but did not submit it by March 11th. With the deadline of August 18th fast approaching, many farmers could be at risk of missing out on financial support if they don’t ensure their applications are completed on time.
Charlotte, together with Bruton Knowles’ Rural Services Team, advises farmers and landowners on property and land management and has encouraged clients to check their eligibility.
“The sudden closure of the application process has left a lasting mark on the farming community and trust in the system has been significantly shaken.
“The decision to reopen the scheme to a select group is welcome, but it unfortunately doesn’t undo the damage.
“Regardless, we strongly encourage farmers and landowners to double check the status of any applications they may have started before the unexpected closure. You may still have the opportunity to complete and submit them. With the busy demands of the farming calendar, it can be easy to let these things slip through the cracks, but the SFI provides valuable financial support, and a quick check now could prevent missed opportunities later.
“If you are unsure of where things stand or need help navigating the process, get in contact with our team as soon as possible.”
In response to the backlash, Defra has announced plans to reform the SFI process, with changes expected to take effect in 2026. However, Charlotte believes several key improvements are needed to rebuild trust in the farming community.
Charlotte continues: “Transparency and communication need to be the cornerstones of the reformed SFI. This means clear timelines and early warning notices in the case of closures or caps so that farmers and landowners can plan with confidence.
“Creating a more open dialogue with the sector is crucial as the success of the new SFI will not only rely on what it offers but how openly and reliably it is delivered. Clearly sharing the criteria for closures or pauses can avoid confusion and frustration whilst publicly publishing allocation thresholds can help avoid surprise cutoffs. Like many in the sector, I am intrigued to see how this new scheme will be delivered.”
Demonstrating her expertise in the sector, Charlotte was recently promoted to Head of Rural at Bruton Knowles. Joining the team in 2024, she brought over a decade of industry experience to the firm and will now take on the mantle from former Head John Amos, who will remain a key part of the Senior Team as a Partner.
Bruton Knowles, one of the UK’s most well-known chartered surveyor brands, brings extensive expertise to the Utilities & Infrastructure sector. With its National Teams – Valuation, Commercial, Utilities & Infrastructure – supported by Building Consultancy, Land and Development, and Rural Service Teams, Bruton Knowles offers a seamless, high standard approach to delivering complex client projects.