Defra seeks solutions on expiring CS agreements

Thousands of English farmers face uncertainty in 2026 with Countryside Stewardship (CS) Mid Tier agreements set to expire, raising concerns about continuity of support under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).

Speaking during a Commons debate on Thursday 19 March, Defra secretary Emma Reynolds told MPs that the department is exploring ways to prevent any gaps in payments.

The minister pointed to the 2025 one-year CS Mid Tier rollover, which provided continuity for more than 4,000 farmers, highlighting the importance of avoiding similar disruption in 2026.

See also: Analysis: What SFI26 offer means for farm businesses

“At the end of last year, the government decided to extend expiring Mid Tier agreements. I understand that farmers are concerned about any gap in their support, and we are looking to see what we can do to fix that problem,” she said.

The issue is particularly pressing for farms with CS agreements ending late in 2026, as a second SFI application window is expected in September.

Many farmers fear a break in funding because Defra has confirmed that those already in Environmental Land Management (ELM) schemes will not be eligible to enter the new SFI when it reopens in spring.

Ms Reynolds said ministers are actively seeking solutions.

“We are looking to see what we can do, because there are many whose agreements are expiring towards the end of the year, and the second window will open in September,” she added.

“The intent to act is there, but we must ensure that we have the systems in place to enable that to happen.”

£100,000 cap

Shadow farming minister Robbie Moore criticised the reforms, telling the Commons: “So here we are: after stopping and starting, and chopping and changing, the government are finally working on the rollout of the new SFI scheme, which will be launched this summer, but it comes with lower payment rates for key environmental delivery measures, and a £100,000 cap.

“We learn that thousands of upland farmers will be excluded altogether, and that those on historic agreements will still be locked in and unable to apply.”

Defra insists the redesigned SFI will be “simpler and fairer”, but the department remains under pressure from the industry to ensure no eligible farmers are left without support as the transition from CS Mid Tier to SFI 2026 takes place.