DEFRA act to protect food production under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme with the introduction of area limits on specific actions
In an interesting move, DEFRA has taken action to limit the amount of land that can be taken out of food production under Sustainable Farm Incentive (SFI). They are introducing area limits on specific actions within the SFI programme. Their stated aims are to strike a balance between supporting environmentally friendly practices and ensuring the UK’s food security.
We had been anticipating this change. Due to the potential ability to put a large amount of the farm into schemes, the scheme allowed for reducing the current farming practice while still receiving revenue from the land. Those who attended our seminars recently will recall that we mentioned and discussed this aspect of possible schemes, with extreme scheme examples.
Introduction of area limits
DEFRA is introducing area limits for 6 out of the 9 actions that take land out of production. This is on the grounds that these actions are designed for smaller areas within a farm and are arguably less effective on larger parcels from a wildlife perspective.
The 6 limited area actions are:
- Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management – IGL1 with a payment rate of £333 per ha
- Winter bird food on improved grassland – IGL2 with a payment rate of £515 per ha
- Pollen and nectar flower mix – AHL1 with a payment rate of £739 per ha
- Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land – AHL2 with a payment rate of £853 per ha
- Grassy field corners and blocks - AHL3 with a payment rate of £590 per ha
- Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips – IPM2 with a payment rate of £798 per ha
Applications submitted on or after the 26th March 2024 where more than 25% of the farm is dedicated to these 6 actions combined, will not be accepted.
Declining Food Production
Whilst this will affect some farmers’ plans, DEFRA is clearly concerned about the risk of declining food production. Whether this is from a desire to protect UK food security for its own sake, or from a keenness to protect the UK consumer from food price spikes, is hard to know.
The good news is that in by this summer, 50 new SFI actions will be available. Limits will be clearly communicated if needed within the new actions. DEFRA state that they will continue monitoring the program and may introduce limits on other actions in the future.
Existing SFI Applications
Importantly, DEFRA has clarified that these limits will not apply to applications already underway. Existing agreements, or actions demonstrably designed for smaller areas.
Farmers interested in learning more about the SFI program, the new area limits, and the specific actions they apply to, are welcome to call our team. Our team is reachable on the numbers below for advice, information and help applying for SFI. We can provide valuable guidance in navigating the SFI program and tailoring it to individual farm needs.
- Atherstone 01827 721380
- Ashby 01530 877977
- Rugby 01788 564666
- Towcester 01327 353575
