DEFRA Confirms SFI 2024 Re-Opening: Hutchinsons Shares Practical Tips for Eligible Applicants

With the recent announcement from DEFRA that the SFI 2024 scheme will re-open to eligible applicants from mid-day on 7th July, Georgina Wallis, Head of Environmental Services at Hutchinsons, gives her advice on how to optimise the opportunity.

She reminds growers they will only be able apply for this re-opened offer if they were part of one of the three exception groups previously announced by Defra.

“This includes anyone who was in an SFI Pilot Scheme, had previously reported system issues or had started but not submitted an SFI application (application generated in the RPA portal between 12^thJanuary 2025 and 11^th March 2025),” she says.

“If you identify as a grower eligible for the re-opened offer, you will be able to log in and complete that application when the window reopens in the RPA portal from 12 noon on the 7th July. The application window will last for six weeks from the 7th July, closing at 11.59pm on the 18th August.”

However, she points out that unless you are one of the ex. pilot agreement holders, whose applications will be uncapped within the details provided by the RPA, those falling into the ‘started but not submitted’ category, will see applications capped at £9,300 per agreement, with only one agreement permitted per SBI number.

“Any applications submitted over this figure will be rejected by the RPA, so it is really important to plan now and get it right.”

For those who had yet to apply to any environmental scheme when the closure was announced, understandably, will feel frustrated, acknowledges Miss Wallis.

“DEFRA’s abrupt closure of the SFI for new applicants left many feeling let down. But the key message is that all is not lost.”

“We know there is a budget for future agri-environment schemes and expect further detail on this over the summer months for applications in 2026.”

“The important thing for now, is to prepare,” she advises. “Ensure your land is registered correctly to the right SBI number, including the correct land covers. As we rapidly approach harvest and planning for the 2026 harvest, consider which actions could work well in your rotation.”

She adds: “Good husbandry and planning now will make life much easier when new opportunities become available.”

For those, who are already signed up and settled into a scheme, be that Countryside Stewardship or the SFI, she encourages taking stock.

“Now is the perfect time to review rotations and plans, ensuring that schemes are delivering what they were intended to. Whilst CSS agreements offer less flexibility, the beauty of SFI agreements is they allow for flexibility—adjustments can be made within the agreement to ensure the scheme works effectively on your farm.”

She recommends speaking to an agronomist or specialist environmental advisor to review options, stressing that proactive planning now will pay dividends in the long term.

Despite the overall budget reduction for environmental schemes, Miss Wallis highlights the government’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable farming.

“Of course, the devil will be in the detail regarding how funds are divided between Countryside Stewardship, the reformed SFI 2026 offer, and productivity schemes such as grants such as Farming Equipment and Technology Fund,” she says.

But her parting message is clear and optimistic:“Don’t lose hope. There is still time to plan and prepare. If you’re not already in a scheme, getting your house in order now will ensure you’re at the front of the queue when new schemes open up.

“Time invested now will pay dividends for your farm and for the environment.”

For further information or advice, please contact your local Hutchinsons environmental specialist.