The Government confirmed last week that applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 will begin to be accepted from August this year. The scheme provides farmers with the opportunities that they may not be able to benefit from, ultimately providing them with further flexibility in their business, choosing sustainable actions in order to receive payment.
To receive payments from the scheme, farmers carry out actions that are favourable for food production and the overall productivity of their farm, whilst simultaneously supporting the environment. Under the scheme are 23 actions which cover a variety of topics, such as nutrient management and hedgerows, which will all support the sustainable production of food and contribute towards the Government’s sustainable and environmental objectives.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 (SFI 2023) offers more than twice as many new actions than were initially planned, providing farmers with a reliable income and expanding their opportunities. The payments will be made every three months, if successful in the application process. SFI 2023 also includes a paid-for on-farm visit every year in order to review the health of their livestock, as well as a payment of £20 per hectare for a farmer’s first 50 hectares which will cover involvement costs. For each action a farmer chooses to carry out, there will be a SFI 2023 handbook with the confirmed payment rates and final details of the agreement, to ensure farmers are confident of the exact support they are being provided with.
Sustainable Farming Incentive Applications
Applications are carried out online, and to keep the process simple, farmers will only be able to view options which are relevant to their farm. SFI 2023 is much more adaptive and flexible than previous years, allowing as many farmers as possible to benefit from the scheme. For example, farmers can choose specifically their own actions, rather than be prescribed a set of actions which is not suitable for them. As well as this, farmers have complete control about how they will achieve the target of each action they have chosen, instead of being given standard rules they must follow, as this would not be beneficial for all farmers in the scheme.
SFI 2023 Handbook
An SFI 2023 handbook has been launched, including the changes in the scheme, as well as a full list of the 23 actions for 2023 and a list of actions available in 2024. The handbook covers all the details and specifications of the scheme, including how and when farmers will be paid, along with how this amount is calculated, allowing farmers to fully understand the opportunities and support available before they make a decision.
Applications for the SFI are paused until the new 2023 standards are added to the Rural Payments Agency’s system. Applications for SFI 2023 are set to open again in August, however a specific date has not yet been confirmed.
Julia looks after all of our marketing communications, printed material, design, branding, publications, digital marketing and advertising. She has worked across a number of industries in marketing roles and outside of work, if usually found on a netball court or coaching from the side lines.
