Rushcliffe farms are set to benefit from a share of a multi-million pound investment in British agriculture.
Twelve months after the government suddenly pulled the oversubscribed Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which pays farmers to boost nature recovery, the details of the redesigned scheme have been announced, with two application windows in 2026: one in June for smaller farms and first-time applicants, and one in September for all other landowners.
In a notable change, the government has announced a £100,000 annual cap per farm to ensure funding is spread evenly across the sector. Environmentalists have warned that this potentially risks limiting the ambitions of larger farms to deliver for nature, although 97% of current SFI agreement holders currently receive less than this figure.
James Naish, MP for Rushcliffe, said: “Rushcliffe’s farmers, and farmers across the country, work incredibly hard to produce food of the highest standard while caring for the countryside and adhering to high animal welfare standards. I know from speaking to local farmers that they want practical support they can rely on and funding that actually reaches them. I believe this reformed scheme will achieve these things.”
The changes follow concerns that previous SFI schemes were underspent, meaning millions of pounds did not reach working farms, and that larger farms were better placed to access the money due to overly complex administration. The new approach is intended to provide more predictable support, having been shaped by farmers’ feedback.
The wider reform package includes £70 million for the Farming Innovation Programme; £50 million for a Farming Equipment and Technology Fund to help farmers adopt new technology, reduce emissions and improve productivity; and £225 million for Capital Grants, an increase of 50 per cent on last year’s funding, to help farmers invest in infrastructure such as hedgerows, water quality improvements and livestock facilities.
James Naish continued: “I’m glad that the government is in listening mode and taking action by shaping a scheme that has been discussed directly with farmers. We must give Rushcliffe farmers the tools they need to boost productivity, strengthen nature and be profitable. Only then can we secure the future of British farming.”
NFU Nottinghamshire county adviser Gabriella Gregory said: “The reformed SFI scheme announced at the NFU Conference appears to strike the right balance between simplifying the process and maintaining flexibility, while still retaining preferable actions for farmers and growers. This level of investment will be welcome news for farmers across Rushcliffe who are looking to improve productivity while continuing to deliver for the environment.
“However, it’s vital that funding is accessible, practical and backed by a straightforward application process so that all farm businesses, regardless of size, can benefit and plan for the future with confidence. The NFU also now needs to work through the wider detail of the scheme.
“What is pleasing is that Defra has taken the NFU’s feedback on board in a number of areas where we were concerned about early plans for the new SFI.
“We also need to see transparency around the farming budget, as well as a long-term plan for food and farming. The resilience of our food system can’t be taken for granted; underlying profitability is essential to driving the investment needed and the resilient food system that society needs.”
