AgriFacts
February 2026
Welcome to our February 2026 edition of Agrifacts. The days are at last getting longer and bringing with them the hope of drier weather and the prospect of getting back onto the land. Many of us are waiting with anticipation to begin spring cultivations, drilling, and spraying, once conditions allow. Meanwhile, on the policy front, considerable attention is focused on Defra’s proposals regarding the implementation of the new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. We will keep you updated when any details are released. Make sure you are following us on social media for the latest updates. We are keen to ensure that Agrifacts remains both interesting and useful to you. We’d love to hear your thoughts, any suggestions for topics, or whether you prefer one-off articles or regular features. Your suggestions and feedback are invaluable in shaping future editions. Please send all suggestions to agrifacts@fishergerman.co.uk
Defra unveils reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Following the announcement by Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds, we anticipate that there is likely to be a brief application window making early planning crucial to maximise
What farmers should do now
existing Countryside Stewardship Mid-
Although many technical details of the
due to expire at the end of 2025 have
updated SFI remain undisclosed, it is prudent for farmers to begin shaping
opportunities within the scheme.
their strategies. Plans should be flexible,
The initial application period is expected
emerge, thereby minimising the risk of
to open in June, targeting smaller
making last-minute changes under tight
farms and those not currently engaged
deadlines.
in environmental land management agreements. Subsequently, a second window will be opened, enabling all farmers to submit their applications.
allowing for adaptation as further details
Tier agreements. Certain agreements been granted a one-year extension, however, many more are due to end this autumn. At present, there is no clarity on whether these schemes will be further extended or if affected farms will need to transition to the new SFI. This could lead to a surge of applications and
It is anticipated that the principal
heightened competition for funding.
objectives of the scheme will remain,
Begin mapping and reviewing
though they may become more focused, offering fewer options and imposing financial restrictions. More complex arable options, such as companion cropping, could be omitted in favour of elements like grass margins and buffer zones, which are easier to audit. Options supporting pollinators and providing wild bird food are also expected to continue within the
Regardless of a farm’s size or its current agreements, the recommendation is to start preparations early. Farms already participating in Countryside Stewardship should assess which aspects are working and identify areas for improvement. Farms not currently involved should review previous SFI options to determine which at
scheme.
might return or evolve under the new
Ongoing uncertainty
ensure that farms are well positioned
One significant unresolved issue is how quickly the revised SFI will replace
structure. Mapping farms now will help once full details of the scheme are released.