Defra have announced that farmers can sign up for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) from 18 September 2023. Potential applicants can register their interest from Wednesday 30 August 2023. Following this announcement, ADAS has prepared a package of support to help farmers get the most benefit from the new scheme. Our team of expert advisors can provide a complete service to make application and management of the scheme as streamlined as possible.
The scheme has been updated to use a ‘pick and mix’ system of actions, which will be familiar to anyone who has entered Countryside Stewardship options in the past. Actions are currently available under the following categories:
- Soils
- Hedgerows
- Integrated pest management
- Nutrient Management
- Buffer strips
- Low input grassland
- Farm wildlife (arable, horticulture & improved grassland)
- Moorland
How much could SFI be worth to me?
ADAS has developed a simple tool to help assess the potential income from SFI. Below is a worked example, based on some of the more broadly applicable options for arable and grassland farms.We can also help you assess the costs associated with implementing SFI options. Many of the actions funded under SFI are good practice, and while there is a cost to implementation, some options may reduce costs in the long term. An example would be improved nutrient management practices which reduce fertiliser costs.
Free SFI advice under the Future Farming Resilience Fund
If you would like an advisory session to discuss the specific SFI opportunities for your farm, please get in touch. For eligible businesses, this initial review may be funded through Defra’s Future Farming Resilience Fund (FFRF). Visit our FFRF webpage learn more, and register for free advice under the scheme.An example SFI agreement
SFI income for a 100ha mixed farm comprising 50ha of grassland and 50ha of arable land
| TOTAL | £10,311 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SFI Code | What is required? | Area / unit | Payment Rate | Potential Income |
| SAM 1 | Soil management plan and organic matter sampling | 100ha | £5.80/ha + £95 | £612 |
| HRW 1 | Hedgerow condition assessment | 1,000m | £3 per 100m – one side | £30 |
| HRW 2 | Reduced frequency of hedgerow cutting | 1,000m | £10 per 100m – one side | £100 |
| HRW3 | Maintain / plant hedgerow trees | 1,000m | £10 per 100m – both sides | £50 |
| IPM1 | Create an Integrated Pest Management plan | 1 per agreement | £989 | £989 |
| IPM4 | No use of insecticide | 10ha | £45/ha | £450 |
| NUM1 | Create a Nutrient Management plan | 1 per agreement | £589 | £589 |
| NUM2 | Legumes on improved grassland | 40ha | £102 | £4,080 |
| AHL4 | 4m-12m buffer strips (arable land) | 2ha | £451/ha | £902 |
| LIG1 | Low input grassland | 10ha | £151/ha | £1,510 |
| Participation payment | 1 per agreement | £20/ha (up to £1,000) | £1,000 |
Advice and support
ADAS consultants can carry out an initial review of your farm to identify which actions suit your business. We will also calculate any costs associated with implementing the scheme and projected income. At the start, we will help you apply. Throughout the lifetime of the agreement, we will provide any specialist reports needed to meet option requirements and keep records.ADAS advisors are qualified to complete the plans required for the following options:
- IPM1 – Integrated pest management plans (to be completed by someone holding a BASIS Certificate in Crop Protection)
- NUM1 – Nutrient management reviews (to be completed by FACTS qualified advisors)
