A £233 million government fund for farms opened today, Tuesday 22 September, as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026. This second application window aims to support farmers and land managers in producing food sustainably.
The fund includes a £50 million boost announced by the Prime Minister in August, intended to help farmers affected by low yields and rising costs. It also incorporates £3 million that was not allocated during the first application window.
The first window of the SFI 2026 saw 7,000 applications, including many from small farms, with 3,100 new agreements going live by 1 September. Payments have already begun reaching farmers' bank accounts.
Farming Minister Stephen Morgan stated that growing food is a matter of national security and part of the long-term plan for English farming, the Farming Roadmap. He added that the funding allows more farmers to build resilient, sustainable businesses to better withstand changing weather.
Rural Payments Agency CEO Oliver Munn noted that the scheme has been made clearer and easier to navigate. He said the agency's focus for the second window is on providing clear guidance and predictable processes for applicants.
Every eligible farmer and land manager with at least three hectares of agricultural land can now apply. Farmers whose current environmental land management agreements are due to expire by the end of February 2027, estimated at around 21,000 farms, can also apply early for their next agreement.