Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026-03-19
2026-03-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a major policy for farmers to transition towards more sustainable practices. The programme has faced criticism regarding its complexity and accessibility, particularly concerning small farms.
I am concerned about the steps being taken to reform the SFI so that it can support smaller farms better and ensure continuity of funding for those with expiring agreements in 2023 or countryside stewardship mid-tier agreements. What specific measures are being implemented?
I met with farmers in Buckingham and Bletchley for a rural summit where we discussed SFI and other issues. The Government extended expiring mid-tier agreements at the end of last year, addressing farmer concerns about any potential gap in support.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific measures to ensure continuity of funding were not detailed.
Looking To See What We Can Do
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers with SFI 2023 and countryside stewardship mid-tier agreements are concerned about support gaps as their current agreements expire. This issue is particularly pressing for farmers in Buckinghamshire.
Can the Secretary of State provide specific steps taken to ensure continuity of support for farmers transitioning from expiring agreements to the new SFI 2026 window?
Farmers in different parts of the country, including Buckinghamshire, are concerned about gaps in their support as mid-tier agreements expire towards the end of the year. We are looking into how we can address this issue to ensure continuity.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps were not provided.
Looking To See What We Can Do
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Farmers in Skipton and Ripon are facing uncertainty due to the transition from mid-tier agreements to the new SFI 2026 window, with concerns over support continuity. This issue is critical for farmers in North Yorkshire.
Given that many farmers have recently signed mid-tier agreements but will not be eligible for the new SFI until September, can the Secretary of State commit to finding a solution to prevent any gap in their support?
Farmers in Skipton and Ripon, like others across the country, are concerned about gaps in their support as they move from mid-tier agreements towards the new SFI window. We are looking into what we can do to address these issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Concrete steps were not provided.
Looking To See What We Can Do
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The roll-out of the new SFI scheme faces criticism due to lower payment rates, a £100,000 cap, and exclusion of upland farmers. This has led to significant concerns among farmers regarding costs, risks, and rewards.
Given that the Government is rolling out the new SFI scheme this summer with lower payment rates and an exclusion for some farmers, how will they ensure effective delivery? What response do you have for farmers who say it creates more cost, risk, and less reward?
The SFI is being simplified to make it easier and less costly to administer. We have a record number of farmers in our schemes compared to previous Governments who failed to get funding out quickly.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address specific concerns about costs, risks, and rewards; instead defended the scheme.
Respectedly Disagreeing With Criticism
Response accuracy