Second Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 Application Window Opens Soon

As we approach the Autumn months, our thoughts turn to the farming year ahead.

With a long, hot summer behind us and the forecast of the strongest El Nino on record ahead, farming with nature and navigating the elements is becoming increasingly high on the list of priorities.

The Government’s ‘Farming Roadmap 2050’ issued earlier this year also highlighted the direction in which their support is shifting further towards sustainable practices and farming with nature.

Following the closure of the first window of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) at the beginning of this month, we are informed that the second application window opens on 22nd September for all Farmers and Land Managers.

If you have an existing Environmental Land Management Scheme still active you are eligible to apply for the Sustainable Farming Scheme if your agreement ends within the timeframe set out in the table below:

ELM revenue scheme Agreement end dates

SFI23 From 30 September 2026 to 28 February 2027

Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier (CSMT) 31 December 2026

Legacy CS Higher Tier (CSHT) 31 December 2026

Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) By 28 February 2027

As the first funding window saw a huge surge in applications in the first week, early preparation is recommended to maximise your chances of success.

Sheldon Bosley Knight’s Rural team can assist with your application for a fee of 10% of the scheme’s annual income, subject to a minimum of £750 plus VAT. This includes an initial meeting, preparation of a proposal, and submission of the application on your behalf.

Defra has also announced the reopening of the Water Management Grant, with up to £15 million available for on-farm reservoirs to support irrigation and improve drought resilience which alongside the new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) released last month, aims to make it easier to develop agricultural infrastructure such as reservoirs, greenhouses, and polytunnels.

Further details on the Water Management Grant are expected soon. If you are interested in on-farm reservoirs, please get in touch and we will keep you updated.

For more information or to discuss an SFI application, contact us at: Rural@sheldonbosleyknight.co.uk or call: 01608 661666 or 01509 243720