DEFRA have confirmed they plan to open the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for eligible applicants in June this year.

The SFI standards and payment rates that will initially be available this year have been confirmed as follows:

Arable and horticultural soils standard:

  • Introductory level paying £22 per hectare
  • Intermediate level paying £40 per hectare

Improved grassland soils standard:

  • Introductory level paying £28 per hectare
  • Intermediate level paying £58 per hectare

Moorland standard:

  • Introductory level only, paying £10.30 per hectare plus additional £265 per agreement 
  • There is an additional payment of £6.15 per hectare for common land with its own agreement.

Further levels and standards will become available as the scheme develops, and an annual review expected in the autumn.

For further details on the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme and other current grant schemes, please contact Claire Eastham or Alex Orttewell on 01935 852170, or email info@assetsphere.co.uk