AgriFacts
June 2026
Welcome to the June 2026 edition of AgriFacts After a notably dry spring, the long-awaited rain has finally arrived, followed by welcome warm days that have brought renewed energy to growing crops and a sense of optimism for the summer ahead. Defra is expected to open the 2026 SFI and Capital Grant schemes shortly, so early preparation will be essential. The application windows are not expected to be lengthy, so having the right supporting evidence ready will help ensure applications can be submitted smoothly and confidently. Please do get in touch if you would like support in getting prepared. We want AgriFacts to continue being both interesting and useful, and your feedback plays an important part in shaping future editions. If there are topics you would like us to cover, whether as one-off articles or regular features, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send your suggestions to agrifacts@ fishergerman.co.uk
Sustainable Farming Incentive - Scheme information published Another edition of guidance for
The SFI26 offer is intended
the Sustainable Farming Incentive
to support sustainable food
2026 offer has been published by
production while funding practical
Defra, giving eligible farmers an
actions that improve soil health,
early opportunity to review the
protect water quality, support
scheme and prepare ahead of the
nature recovery and strengthen
first application window opening
farm resilience. Much of the
later this month.
structure remains familiar to those
Window 1 is expected to open from 30 June 2026 for two groups: small farms and farms without an existing Environmental Land Management
who applied under the 2024 scheme, although Defra says improvements have been made to simplify and streamline the offer.
revenue agreement. Before the
Additional information published
wider rollout begins, a small number
alongside the scheme highlights
of eligible farmers will be invited
the practical and financial appeal of
to apply from around 18 June as
SFI, including quarterly payments
part of a controlled testing phase
to support cashflow, greater
for the application service. The
flexibility in choosing actions that
window is expected to remain open
fit individual farming systems,
for only two months and may close
and opportunities to improve
earlier if the available budget is fully
resilience and reduce reliance on
allocated, making early preparation
external inputs. Example actions
critical.
highlighted for arable, mixed and
The latest publication includes an updated version of the terms and conditions for SFI26 agreements, the scheme rules, action requirements and supporting
livestock farms include hedgerow management, herbal leys, grass buffer strips, pollen and nectar mixes and lower-input grassland options.
guidance to help applicants prepare for and manage an agreement. Final versions are expected to be published in mid-June before applications officially open.
Read the full article here