Farmers face SFI payment delays over historic land checks
© Tim Scrivener Farmers in England are facing delays in their Sustainable Farming Incentive payments due to a processing error by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
The issue primarily affects agreements involving SAM3 (herbal leys) and NUM2 (legumes on improved grassland) options, which were not properly cross-checked against historic land features during the initial processing of SFI 2023 applications.
This oversight has led to delays as the RPA retrospectively reviews each affected agreement to reassess land eligibility and adjust payment areas accordingly.
See also: Farmers report delays in quarterly SFI payments
It is understood that the effects seem to be fairly limited so far – the RPA is not removing entire fields, but instead portions of land parcels affected by the historical features.
This is proving time-consuming. In addition, some farmers report the issue might be affecting their quarterly payments.
“If your last quarterly payment has not arrived, this is likely the cause,” said an industry source.
One land agent, who did not want to be named, said the RPA told one of his clients the reviews are a significant administrative undertaking, and no firm timeline has been provided for when affected payments will be resolved.
“Some farmers may have already inadvertently cultivated fields to put herbal leys onto areas with historic features, thereby potentially already causing damage,” the land agent added.
“The RPA is trying to close the door after the horse has bolted.”
A Shropshire-based farmer expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the RPA.
He said: “Apparently, all SFI payments involving SAM3 are currently delayed.
“What really made me angry was the complete lack of communication. Most of us have email – how hard is it to send an explanation?”
The RPA is using Historic Environment Farm Environment Record (Hefer) data to cross-check SAM3 and NUM2 claims. Farmers were required to request a Hefer when applying for land with known heritage features.
RPA response
The RPA acknowledged the issue, but did not reveal to Farmers Weekly how many farmers are affected.
A spokesman said: “SFI currently has 35,000 live agreements, with the vast majority of farmers receiving their payments without any issues.
“Some agreements with herbal leys have been applied to land containing historic features which could affect eligibility.
“We are working at pace with affected customers to resolve this and ensure payments are made as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, affected farmers are encouraged to contact the RPA with questions. The RPA can answer any general questions about SFI on its helpline: 03000 200 301, or farmers can submit an online query about their SFI agreement or payment.
- Are you a farmer or landowner whose SFI payments have been delayed by this issue? If so, please email philip.case@markallengroup.com