Check records before applying for SFI 2026

Vital checks should be undertaken in good time before before applying to join the relaunched Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), say advisers.

Launched last month, SFI 2026 is now open to farmers without an existing Environmental Land Management agreement and those with less than 50ha. Other eligible farmers will be able to apply from September.

The SFI budget is widely expected to come under significant pressure when the scheme opens to all eligible applicants – so submitting tinely applications could prove critical for farmers wishing to secure an agreement.

First-come, first-served

“With SFI26 operating on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important farmers don’t get held up by avoidable admin issues,” says Ian Ashbridge, a director with Strutt & Parker who advises farm businesses across eastern England.

“I’d strongly advise checking Rural Payment Agency records and maps now and correcting anything that doesn’t look right. Sorting issues early could make the difference between getting an agreement in place and missing out.”

The most common problems include digital maps showing incorrect land cover and land use for each land parcel, or maps not showing all the land parcels you want to include in your application, says Mr Ashbridge.

Many farmers used to check digital maps as part of their annual Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) claim. But with BPS now gone, that routine has disappeared so applicants may find their maps and RPA records are out of date.

Avoiding delays

“These are issues which tend to need fixing to avoid delays when it comes to submitting an SFI26 application. If a land parcel is incorrectly recorded as permanent grassland and you want to apply for an arable option, then the system will not allow it.”

Equally, land incorrectly shown as temporary grass will need updating to apply for the no insecticides on arable crops action (IPM4). This makes it important to amend the land cover and land use, so it correctly reflects the situation on the ground.

Requests to add land or make changes to maps can be made online or using an RLE1 form. Other checks worth making include ensuring that the contact email address held by the RPA is up to date.

Applicants with agents should also ensure the correct permissions have been assigned to their representative so they can resolve any outstanding errors and make the application on the applicants’ behalf.