Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

The new Sustainable Farming Incentive in 2026

11 June 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Proposed by Angela Eagle Lab Wallasey

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme will accept applications from farmers starting June 30, 2026, and again in September 2026.
  • The scheme is funded with 240 million to support sustainable farming practices.
  • A cap on annual agreement amounts is implemented to ensure a fairer distribution of funds among more farm businesses.

Issue summary

The statement is about the upcoming Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme in England, designed to support farmers in managing their land sustainably.

Action requested

Farmers will be able to apply for the improved SFI from June 30 and September 2026. The scheme includes £240 million funding, simplifications, and a cap on annual agreement amounts to ensure fairer distribution of funds among more farm businesses.

Key facts

  • Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is one of the Government’s Environmental Land Management Schemes.
  • Applications for the improved SFI will open from June 30 and September 2026 for small farms and without existing ELM revenue agreement.
  • £240 million funding is available, with £560 million already committed to over 39,000 live agreements.
  • A new annual agreement cap of £100,000 has been introduced to spread funding more fairly.
  • £50 million is available for new Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agreements this year.
  • Final scheme guidance will be published next week.
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