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Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023

27 June 2023

We now have more information on the next stage of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for 2023 applications. The applications are not yet open but expected to be in August - yet to be confirmed!

There are 23 different offers available through SFI which can be used to offset the reductions in BPS. The Scheme itself is much more flexible than previous schemes, with many of the actions also being eligible for use alongside Countryside Stewardship too - so it is well worth looking at your options.

Key information: 

  • How long is the agreement? 3 years
  • When to apply? Applications will open in August (date TBC). The application window will then remain open to applications all year round.
  • When will the agreement start? Agreements to start on the first day of a given calendar month (this will be confirmed in your final agreement offer).
  • Who can apply? You must have been a BPS eligible farmer. You must have management control of the land for the scheme length. Tenants can enter into the scheme as they are the person(s) actively farming the land but must have management control of the land for the scheme duration. You cannot apply if you have taken the Lump Sum (unless the Lump Sum is repaid)

Code

SFI Action

Annual Payment

SAM2

Multi-species winter cover crops

£129/hectare

SAM3

Herbal Leys

£382/hectare

HRW2

Manage Hedgerows

£10 per 100 metres – one side

IPM2

Flower-rich grass margins,

blocks, or infield strips

£673/hectare

IPM3

Companion crop on arable and horticultural land

£55/hectare

NUM1

Assess nutrient management

and produce a review report

£589/per year

NUM2

Legumes on improved grassland

£102/hectare

LIG1

Manage grassland with very low nutrient inputs

(outside SDAs)

£151/hectare

Full Details can be found in the handbook 

What if you are already committed to an SFI 2022 Agreement?
  • The RPA will contact you directly to confirm how you can benefit from the 2023 Offer.
  • The current SFI window has now closed temporarily.
What if i am aLready in a COUNTYSIDE STEWARDSHIP SCHEME?
  • Many of the options in SFI can complement your existing CS Schemes.
  • Some options in CS may not be eligible with SFI i.e. ‘dual funding’– these are all outlined in the SFI Handbook.
  • Speak with one of our consultants to find out how your existing scheme can fit with SFI!
sfI aNNUAL HEALTH AND WELFARE REVIEW OF LIVESTOCK
  • Eligible livestock keepers can get paid for a vet, or team chosen by a vet, to visit their farm and carry out an annual health and welfare review of eligible livestock.
  • You do not need to have an SFI agreement for environmental land management actions to apply for this.

Funding Available:

  • £684 - pig review
  • £436 - sheep review
  • £522 - beef cattle review
  • £372 - dairy cattle review

View the non-amp article