SFI application

[Princess Pooper]

Wasn't sure whether to put this here ('subsidies') or the grants section, but here goes.

Just done my 'early doors' SFI soils application, anyone else done one? This is NOT the SFI Pilot but an early application to the 'real' SFI plus helping RPA with some feedback about 'how it went for me' .

Anyway, we've applied for the standard grassland soils option which was pretty straightforward. I think it's open to everyone within a few days.

 

[Hindsight]

Wasn't sure whether to put this here ('subsidies') or the grants section, but here goes.

Just done my 'early doors' SFI soils application, anyone else done one? This is NOT the SFI Pilot but an early application to the 'real' SFI plus helping RPA with some feedback about 'how it went for me' .

Anyway, we've applied for the standard grassland soils option which was pretty straightforward. I think it's open to everyone within a few days.

Where is the early doors site please?

 

[Princess Pooper]

Where is the early doors site please?

If you signed up to help Defra/RPA out with 'test and trial' and in other ways then they will have sent you an email with a 'welcome pack' and a link.

We had to wait a little while after saying we would have a go at the early entry, as they first invited some folks not currently in schemes, then they invited those who are already in CSS or another scheme (thats us). I assume they want to iron any last minute glitches before general release - which will be in a matter of days.

 

[AndrewM]

Apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive – Farming

Updates from Defra's Farming and Countryside Programme

defrafarming.blog.gov.uk

Main application now open for anyone brave enough

 

[Jackov Altraids]

Wasn't sure whether to put this here ('subsidies') or the grants section, but here goes.

Just done my 'early doors' SFI soils application, anyone else done one? This is NOT the SFI Pilot but an early application to the 'real' SFI plus helping RPA with some feedback about 'how it went for me' .

Anyway, we've applied for the standard grassland soils option which was pretty straightforward. I think it's open to everyone within a few days.

Did you go for the introductory or intermediate?

 

[Princess Pooper]

Inntroductory. I made the point (as I was doing a feedback thingy for them) that a lot of our land is permanent pasture and we are not going to plough that up to do a herbal ley (yes I do realise it's only a % that has to have a ley for Intermediate) and that it is not right that a fantastic 'unimproved' hay meadow full of long established herbs is not eligible for a SFI soils payment!

But one of the better things about this scheme is I think even if you do introductory this year, you can up your game to intermediate next year if you decide to try some herbal leys.

 

[chipchap]

But how much of the money will stay in your pocket once you’ve paid for all the soil testing and fancy seeds, and established the fancy seeds?

It will probably equate to about £6 an hour for all your time input.

 

[Old Tip]

Inntroductory. I made the point (as I was doing a feedback thingy for them) that a lot of our land is permanent pasture and we are not going to plough that up to do a herbal ley (yes I do realise it's only a % that has to have a ley for Intermediate) and that it is not right that a fantastic 'unimproved' hay meadow full of long established herbs is not eligible for a SFI soils payment!

But one of the better things about this scheme is I think even if you do introductory this year, you can up your game to intermediate next year if you decide to try some herbal leys.

But isn’t a hay meadow or most PP a herb rich sward