Why apply for SFI
- Business resilience
By applying sustainable food production practices on your farm, you could improve soil health, biodiversity or help mitigate the impact of extreme weather. All of which help look after your farm in the short and long term.
- Flexibility
You can enter as much land as you want and choose how many actions you do. Once you’re in SFI, you can add more land and actions to your agreement each year.
- Good for your cashflow
You will receive your first payment 4 months after your SFI agreement starts. After that you’ll be paid every 3 months, so you have regular, reliable income.
- Works with Countryside Stewardship (CS)
You can have a Countryside Stewardship (CS) or Environmental Stewardship (ES) agreement and an SFI agreement at the same time. This means you can combine SFI actions with other scheme options.
- Straightforward application process
It’s straightforward to apply and manage your agreement. You’ll apply online through the Rural Payments service and your agreement will start the month after you accept it.
Select your land type in the SFI filter tool for a list of compatible actions in SFI23.
It doesn’t commit you to anything, it’s free, and you can print the results.
What farmers say about SFI
Hear from farmers who say SFI will help build a business that’s resilient for the long term.
Ian May, beef and sheep farmer
“I’m looking to build a business that’s resilient for the long term. SFI helps you do that.”
Paul Brown, wheat farmer
“Farmers are here to produce food, SFI will help us do that…and it will help support the environment at the same time. It’s win-win”.
Sarah Eveleigh, beef and sheep farmer
“They’ve listened to farmers and taken this pick and mix approach so it’s not restrictive.”
Select your land type in the SFI filter tool for a list of compatible actions in SFI23.
It doesn’t commit you to anything, it’s free, and you can print the results.