Defra now looking at capping SFI

[warksfarmer]

Hmmm

Government ensures food production remains primary purpose of farming

Especially if you've squeezed 2 of the list into 3 years.

It was only a matter of time.

 

[willyorkshire]

Damned if we do, damned if we don't. Farmers usually do better under Labour. It would be difficult to be any worse than this shower of sh^t.

 

[Nearly]

SFI wasn't worth touching then it became the golden getout for winter and spring crops drowned or still in the seed bag after good old 2023.

The mess continues.

 

[chaffcutter]

Don’t panic folks, timing of introduction to be announced shortly

 

[Andy26]

Well that puts a stop on two small applications submitted earlier this morning! Wonder if it will be retrospective? If so going to create a few issues. Be helpful if we knew details soon if this is to be retrospective. Hey ho.

Cannot imagine it could be retrospective, existing agreements also entered agreements knowing they could increase areas in years 2 and 3.

This is all about managing budgets, nothing about food security.

 

[Nearly]

Don’t panic folks, timing of introduction to be announced shortly

Which means they haven't a clue. Again.

 

[beardface]

Damned if we do, damned if we don't. Farmers usually do better under Labour. It would be difficult to be any worse than this shower of sh^t.

Don't remember the old man doing very well under Blair. Think we nearly went bankrupt.

 

[Billboy1]

Embarrassing ! fkn clueless the lot of them

 

[DrWazzock]

At least arable legume fallow is not on the list. Max out on it. They must think it doesn’t reduce production even though it’s going to halve my wheat output.

 

[bovrill]

Damned if we do, damned if we don't. Farmers usually do better under Labour. It would be difficult to be any worse than this shower of sh^t.

How did livestock fare after '97?

 

[Pieces_of_Eight]

This is all about managing budgets, nothing about food security.

Exactly this.

There isn't a bottomless pot of gold sat there ready to pay for SFI, which is why the government is so keen on getting privately-funded BNG schemes off the ground, so that SFI can be phased out.

 

[Huno]

Hmmm

Government ensures food production remains primary purpose of farming

Especially if you've squeezed 2 of the list into 3 years.

HMMMMM INDEED

 

[Andy26]

At least arable legume fallow is not on the list. Max out on it. They must think it doesn’t reduce production even though it’s going to halve my wheat output.

I have a feeling the list will get longer and Legume Fallow seed more expensive shortly.

 

[Huno]

I have a feeling the list will get longer and Legume Fallow seed more expensive shortly.

That is a good gut feeling to have

 

[Huno]

Exactly this.

There isn't a bottomless pot of gold sat there ready to pay for SFI, which is why the government is so keen on getting privately-funded BNG schemes off the ground, so that SFI can be phased out.

Very true statement

 

[ringi]

At least arable legume fallow is not on the list. Max out on it. They must think it doesn’t reduce production even though it’s going to halve my wheat output.

It also improves the soil, so can increase long-term production or lower the fert used for the production, unlike the 6 options they are limiting.

 

[Hampton]

Have they launched the new options yet? Or are they still dithering?

 

[farmerm]

Damned if we do, damned if we don't. Farmers usually do better under Labour. It would be difficult to be any worse than this shower of sh^t.

It is true but that is because the economy tanks, pound fall and that helps our exports and competitiveness against imports. Those these days with so much of our agricultural inputs imported, I am not sure the benefits will be so clear.

 

[farmerm]

Cannot imagine it could be retrospective, existing agreements also entered agreements knowing they could increase areas in years 2 and 3.

This is all about managing budgets, nothing about food security.

It is about neither, its about heading off politically damaging food security headlines in an election year!

 

[4course]

But can we put 25% of each of the six options and thus get to the 100%.?

Doubt it on reading the press release reckon it means the total of the six is capped at 25 % of acerage now wether that means 25 % of that classed as arable or improved grass etc or total acerage is not clear, I cannot see how they can alter agreements that have already been made and acted upon without recompense and at least enable folk to alter their scheme without being awkward . The release says theve got 15000 applicants which is still a long way short and this capping will only lead to distrust and a reluctance of folk to sign up. Hey ho just more hassle and stress to sort and cope with which on top of the weather/ harvest prospects is not helpful .