Compulsory Requirements for SFI?

[steveR]

My Severn Trent Water scheme is partially winding up this Autumn/Spring 25, with the balance finishing Spring 2026.

I am therefore looking at a super simple SFI application, based purely on rotational options, mostly birdy mix that can be done on the cheap!

My question is, are there any compulsory elements of SFI to allow an application to be made? I am thinking of such areas as hedge and tree management, soil or nutrient management plans*? I cannot really fathom this out, and I am unable to progress in my research right now, as I made the expression of interest, and seem to be now blocked out.... Waiting on the 2024 applications I believe?


*

SAM1
NUM1
HRW1

 

[Badshot]

I never looked at any of it as compulsory.
I don't believe any of it is compulsory, however the plans are a good start even if you pay someone else to do them.

The whole point is you choose what you want to do
The only compulsory element is the restriction on ha on certain options, like wild bird food.

 

[steveR]

I never looked at any of it as compulsory.
I don't believe any of it is compulsory, however the plans are a good start even if you pay someone else to do them.

The whole point is you choose what you want to do
The only compulsory element is the restriction on ha on certain options, like wild bird food.

The various plans I indicated do not appeal in my particular case, because of the way the business is now structured. I did not want to devote too much time to research and investigations in the Options that could work, and then find out that it was all a waste of time.

 

[e3120]

My Severn Trent Water scheme is partially winding up this Autumn/Spring 25, with the balance finishing Spring 2026.

I am therefore looking at a super simple SFI application, based purely on rotational options, mostly birdy mix that can be done on the cheap!

My question is, are there any compulsory elements of SFI to allow an application to be made? I am thinking of such areas as hedge and tree management, soil or nutrient management plans*? I cannot really fathom this out, and I am unable to progress in my research right now, as I made the expression of interest, and seem to be now blocked out.... Waiting on the 2024 applications I believe?


*

SAM1
NUM1
HRW1

I investigated and tested the minimum for SFI 2023. There's a post in the hints and tips thread with the results. I think it says SAM1A and 1 parcel of SAM1. I did have to do a bit of adding and deleting to get it down to that. In the end I did reluctantly go for all the xxx1 options above, but am planning on only doing anything towards them if asked for evidence, other than soil sampling that was due anyway, and adding OM was only £20 or something a parcel.

 

[yellow belly]

My Severn Trent Water scheme is partially winding up this Autumn/Spring 25, with the balance finishing Spring 2026.

I am therefore looking at a super simple SFI application, based purely on rotational options, mostly birdy mix that can be done on the cheap!

My question is, are there any compulsory elements of SFI to allow an application to be made? I am thinking of such areas as hedge and tree management, soil or nutrient management plans*? I cannot really fathom this out, and I am unable to progress in my research right now, as I made the expression of interest, and seem to be now blocked out.... Waiting on the 2024 applications I believe?


*

SAM1
NUM1
HRW1

There is nothing compulsory over and above the individual action rules
with some stewardship in the past there were hedge cutting requirements over and above cross compliance

if you have not started then only look at the 2024 action rules
they do define what you need to do for each action
you do need to achieve the aims to have an easy life
and record what you do for each action so you can prove you have done it if the ask for your records

good agent can help you and there is money for advice from an agent they know how to claim that

 

[steveR]

Cannot see the 2024 action rules as yet, which is a bit weird, so been looking through the 2023 booklets at present...? I think I misinterpreted some of what was being said on the SAM1 ,NUM1, HRW1 options, and as you indicated actions beyond CC when in CS/HLS was also discussed.

I am not anticipating anything too onerous, and probably a sight easier to do than CS was at times. The STW schemes have probably been the easiest I have done in 30 years of stewardship from the management perspective. Keep Invoices.... odd pic. That's it. A diary in the tractor and a few timed/dated pics should be fine, albeit my "seed" tends to be budget... As in actually bird food!!

Never used an Agent yet...

 

[steveR]

I investigated and tested the minimum for SFI 2023. There's a post in the hints and tips thread with the results. I think it says SAM1A and 1 parcel of SAM1. I did have to do a bit of adding and deleting to get it down to that. In the end I did reluctantly go for all the xxx1 options above, but am planning on only doing anything towards them if asked for evidence, other than soil sampling that was due anyway, and adding OM was only £20 or something a parcel.

So you are saying SAM1A and a parcel of SAM1 are a requirement..... ?

And the OM testing??

I am unable to do a test application so am working blind a bit



Later..
Just found your post

Has anyone found a way to avoid the 'agreement level SFI actions' i.e. IPM1, NUM1 & SAM1A? I can't get further without selecting at least one. I know most people might consider them money for old rope, but I'd like to have an option that doesn't require any BS work.

There was also the thought process considered earlier of making a single-parcel app with these options on (very simple to comply) and then having a main app without them. That brings the risk of missing out on the full management payment, as it's a bit woolly how it's applied to multiple apps, if the first is <50Ha.

I would term "agreement level actions" as being compulsory, from reading the above....?

 

[e3120]

So you are saying SAM1A and a parcel of SAM1 are a requirement..... ?

And the OM testing??

I am unable to do a test application so am working blind a bit



Later..
Just found your post

Has anyone found a way to avoid the 'agreement level SFI actions' i.e. IPM1, NUM1 & SAM1A? I can't get further without selecting at least one. I know most people might consider them money for old rope, but I'd like to have an option that doesn't require any BS work.

There was also the thought process considered earlier of making a single-parcel app with these options on (very simple to comply) and then having a main app without them. That brings the risk of missing out on the full management payment, as it's a bit woolly how it's applied to multiple apps, if the first is <50Ha.

I would term "agreement level actions" as being compulsory, from reading the above....?

The OM testing is part of SAM1.

There was a follow-up post with the conclusion that you had to put them on, but could go back and knock out all bar one. A bit of playing required, which I guess you can't do at the moment.

I rejected the above 'thought process' about loading onto a single-parcel app as there was wording somewhere (in ipm1?) that it had to cover all the land in your control).

It basically comes down to if you have the time & energy to go through the motions. They probably think we're bad farmers if we don't document these things. Remind you of anything?

 

[steveR]

So you are saying SAM1A and a parcel of SAM1 are a requirement..... ?

And the OM testing??

I am unable to do a test application so am working blind a bit



Later..
Just found your post

Has anyone found a way to avoid the 'agreement level SFI actions' i.e. IPM1, NUM1 & SAM1A? I can't get further without selecting at least one. I know most people might consider them money for old rope, but I'd like to have an option that doesn't require any BS work.

There was also the thought process considered earlier of making a single-parcel app with these options on (very simple to comply) and then having a main app without them. That brings the risk of missing out on the full management payment, as it's a bit woolly how it's applied to multiple apps, if the first is <50Ha.

I would term "agreement level actions" as being compulsory, from reading the above....?

https://assets.publishing.service.g...I23_how_to_apply_for_an_SFI_agreement_V.3.pdf Page 25

So.....Yes, it is compulsory. Just called something different.

I will wait on having sight of the 2024 offering.

 

[steveR]

The OM testing is part of SAM1.

There was a follow-up post with the conclusion that you had to put them on, but could go back and knock out all bar one. A bit of playing required, which I guess you can't do at the moment.

I rejected the above 'thought process' about loading onto a single-parcel app as there was wording somewhere (in ipm1?) that it had to cover all the land in your control).

It basically comes down to if you have the time & energy to go through the motions. They probably think we're bad farmers if we don't document these things. Remind you of anything?

And I am obviously bordering on impossible then.... Say no to RT here.

 

[Regenerator1]

Will they release the SFI 24 rules this summer? Harvest has begun and seed needs ordering??

 

[Flower Power]

Will they release the SFI 24 rules this summer? Harvest has begun and seed needs ordering??

SFI scheme information: expanded offer for 2024

www.gov.uk

 

[Regenerator1]

SFI scheme information: expanded offer for 2024

www.gov.uk

Thanks but there are no details in that publication but i accept that was the last one they published