Hutchinsons shares practical tips for eligible applicants as SFI 2024 scheme reopens

Miss Wallis, head of environmental services at Hutchinsons, reminds growers they will only be able to apply for this reopened offer if they were part of one of the three exception groups previously announced by DEFRA.

“This includes anyone who was in an SFI Pilot Scheme, had previously reported system issues or had started but not submitted an SFI application (application generated in the RPA portal between 12th January 2025 and 11th March 2025).

“If you identify as a grower eligible for the reopened offer, you will be able to log in and complete that application when the window reopens in the RPA portal from 12 noon on the 7th July. The application window will last for six weeks from the 7th July, closing at 11.59pm on the 18th August,” she explained.

However, Miss Wallis pointed out that unless you are one of the ex-pilot agreement holders, whose applications will be uncapped within the details provided by the RPA, those falling into the ‘started but not submitted’ category will see applications capped at £9,300 per agreement, with only one agreement permitted per SBI number.

“Any applications submitted over this figure will be rejected by the RPA, so it is really important to plan now and get it right.”

DEFRA’s apology

In May, minister of state at the department for environment, food and rural affairs, Daniel Zeichner, made a statement, apologising for the confusion that has left many farmers worried about their financial future. 

He said: “Earlier this year, the government had successfully allocated the entire SFI budget and could therefore no longer accept new applications for the scheme. 

“There are more than 37,000 live SFI agreements currently in place, under which money continues to be paid to farmers this year and over future years. However, an error was made when the current scheme was closed to new applications, the budget having been allocated. 

“I was not aware that people who had started an application and then saved it without submitting had been shown a ‘we’ve saved your application’ screen containing two messages.” 

The messages read: 

(a) “If we need to close applications, we will give you 6 weeks’ notice. We will publicise this information on gov.uk and email you.”  

Defra said that this message was shown “in error” due to a technical issue which meant that the message was carried over unintentionally from the online application used for the SFI 2023 offer. 

(b) “Your application will be available for 2 months for you to continue. If you have not submitted your application by then, we will delete it.”  

This message was intentional, Defra confirmed. 

MP Zeichner continued: “The first message should not have been included, and I apologise for the confusion it caused.”

READ MORE: Defra retracts SFI closure for thousands of farmers

READ MORE: Farmers ‘betrayed again’ as Defra stops SFI applications 

What if you are not eligible for the reopened SFI offer?

Those who had yet to apply to any environmental scheme when the closure was announced, understandably, will feel frustrated, acknowledged Miss Wallis.

“DEFRA’s abrupt closure of the SFI for new applicants left many feeling let down. But the key message is that all is not lost.

“We know there is a budget for future agri-environment schemes and expect further detail on this over the summer months for applications in 2026,” she added.

Miss Wallis said that the important thing for now is to prepare. “Ensure your land is registered correctly to the right SBI number, including the correct land covers. As we rapidly approach harvest and planning for the 2026 harvest, consider which actions could work well in your rotation.

“Good husbandry and planning now will make life much easier when new opportunities become available,” she advised.

For those who are already signed up and settled into a scheme, be that Countryside Stewardship or the SFI, the expert encourages taking stock.

“Now is the perfect time to review rotations and plans, ensuring that schemes are delivering what they were intended to. Whilst CSS agreements offer less flexibility, the beauty of SFI agreements is they allow for flexibility—adjustments can be made within the agreement to ensure the scheme works effectively on your farm.”

Hutchinsons’ head of environmental services recommended speaking to an agronomist or specialist environmental advisor to review options, stressing that proactive planning now will pay dividends in the long term.

‘Don’t lose hope’

Despite the overall budget reduction for environmental schemes, Miss Wallis highlighted the government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable farming.

“Of course, the devil will be in the detail regarding how funds are divided between Countryside Stewardship, the reformed SFI 2026 offer, and productivity schemes such as grants for Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.”

But her parting message is clear and optimistic: “Don’t lose hope. There is still time to plan and prepare. If you’re not already in a scheme, getting your house in order now will ensure you’re at the front of the queue when new schemes open up.

“Time invested now will pay dividends for your farm and for the environment.”

For further information or advice, please contact your local Hutchinsons environmental specialist.

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