SFI scheme reopens for ‘exception groups’ on 7 July

The Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 (SFI) reopens for applications from Monday 7 July – but only for a limited group of eligible farmers who fall into designated exception categories.

The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has confirmed that about 800 farmers who were previously unable to submit their SFI applications due to exceptional circumstances will now have a six-week window to complete their applications, ending on 18 August.

This follows a pause in new applications imposed on 11 March. At that time there were 6,626 SFI applications still in draft form.

See also: Opinion: A chance to share my SFI views and ideas with Defra

In a ministerial statement issued on 12 May, it was announced that about 3,000 farmers who had started – but not submitted – applications between 12 January and 11 March would be allowed to complete the process.

This group has already been invited to apply.

Now, a second wave of previously excluded applicants has been given access.

This includes farmers who were part of the original SFI pilot, those affected by technical issues that prevented submission by the March deadline, and members of the assisted digital group who rely on tailored support to navigate the application process.

All eligible farmers have now been contacted directly by the RPA with guidance on how to proceed.

A Defra spokesman said the reopening for this exception group was part of the department’s commitment to fairness and accessibility, especially for those who had made efforts to engage with the scheme but were prevented by circumstances outside their control.

SFI relaunch latest

Further details on the revised SFI – expected to open fully to new applicants in early 2026 – will be published later this summer.

The updated scheme will aim to deliver more integrated environmental benefits while simplifying the process and improving digital access, as confirmed by Defra secretary Steve Reed at the Groundswell event last week.

Farm leaders continue to push for clarity and inclusivity in the reformed SFI, warning that uncertainty over scheme design and future payments is hindering on-farm decision-making during a time of significant transition away from direct payments.