SFI 2026 Update

It has been announced that the SFI 2026 scheme is expected to open on 30 June. While full details are still emerging, there are several key changes from the previous offer that are important to be aware of.

The revised scheme includes 71 actions, reduced from 102 under the SFI 2024 offer, with a number of actions removed.

There will be two application windows. The first window, opening June 30th, is restricted to farms up to 50 hectares or those without any existing ELM revenue agreements. Businesses already in SFI, Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Higher Tier or HLS will not be eligible to apply at this stage. A second window is expected to open in September 2026 and will be available to all farms, although no confirmed end date has been provided and this will depend on overall demand.

Eligibility for the scheme requires a minimum of 3 hectares of agricultural land.

Several new limits have been introduced. There will be a cap of £100,000 per year on any SFI 2026 agreement, and each business will only be able to hold one agreement. Rotational actions will be fixed at the levels agreed in year one and cannot be increased in later years. In addition, the existing 25% area limit has been expanded to include Enhanced Overwinter Stubble (AHW7), with the cap now applying across ten specified actions.

Although an initial two-month application window has been indicated, experience suggests that schemes can close earlier than expected if budgets are fully committed. On that basis, early action is strongly recommended for those who are eligible to apply.

We are ready to help ensure your business is prepared for an early application.