- Location
- Yorks
Thought would be interesting to see how well received SFI is.
What’s SFI?
If I was baling everything, grew less spring crops etc. it wouldn't be worth it, there is little financial incentive to change systems.
Where is the slot for "Not yet, and I'm not planning to sign up -- ever!"?
Never heard of it sorry
My only question ,will someone hold a gun to my head ?England's mess, you will have your own soon enough.
Thought would be interesting to see how well received SFI is.
Should have done. That said, there's only 3 who have signed up to SFI, so not large enough same size to get true reflection data.Could I suggest that you ask 'how many acres' as well as 'how many farmers'. Because, I would wager, the acres will be proportionately higher than the farmers. Because it's a big boys scheme.
Could I suggest that you ask 'how many acres' as well as 'how many farmers'. Because, I would wager, the acres will be proportionately higher than the farmers. Because it's a big boys scheme.
ELS was also like that. Choice of options. Every farm is different. As you say SFI is too restrictive and complicated to fit into cropping plans (which can change at drop of a hat).I’ve been looking at it, with mid tier CS as well it’s bloody complicated and too restrictive with the stupid % to adhere to
Let us build our own schemes from the options as per CS
Yep, I broadly agree with the original aims of the reforms to transfer support from just occupying land to providing “public goods” but Jeez its a dogs breakfast of rules and regsCurrently less than 8% signed up or going to sign up.
That's not very good, but neither is it a surprise.
Like we've said, SFI payment rates are derisory and scheme is too inflexible.
Shouldn't be "you must complete Introductory before you can move on to Intermediate".
Should be options to choose from.
They shouldn't be a set area of option for length of agreement. Too inflexible. We can't guarantee getting x% cover crops drilled, or OM added to all the land over 3 years. Weather conditions beat us. Cropping plans change. etc. Offer a payment rate for OM additions, up to a maximum of say 33% of land per year, if farmer only manages 20%..... Farmer then claims for 20%.
Payment rates need to be 4 × current rates to be anything like worth considering.
Many of us are on annual agreements for land. Make SFI annual commitment. A bit like BPS is.
More options.
Choice of options. Not like it is now where it's do everything in Introductory (or get zero cash and you also can't get on to Intermediate).
Farmers hold the key to sequestration of carbon and storage in our soils. We need to be onboard.
Don't forget food production and security is a public good. Don't forget spring cereals typically yield 2.5t/ha lower than autumn sown. Don't forget some soils don't suit spring cropping.
I realise ELMS is a working progress, but jeez, wasn't this scheme destined to fail in its current form?
Who's idea was it?
Was it one person's vision? Or was it a group of DEFRA people who thought it up? What planet were they on?