SFI 2026 open date confirmed: CLA welcomes new details
System must be ready from day one, says CLA Deputy President
Some farmers will be able to apply for the 2026 SFI scheme from 30 June, Defra has confirmed.
"Small farms" and those without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement can apply, with a small number invited from around 18 June to test and refine the application service.
The CLA has welcomed the details, though the amount of money available has not yet been disclosed.
Focus on delivery
CLA Deputy President Joe Evans said:
"We welcome the further details on SFI 2026, and it is now vital that the scheme is fully deliverable for both the first application window in June and the second in September."
For more than a year, industry has been living through a period of uncertainty. All farmers, and particularly those who are in schemes finishing in December, must be able to seamlessly transition into SFI so that they can continue delivering for the environment and investing in resilient food production
A second application window will open in September 2026 for all farmers and land managers.
The definition of "small farms" is up to 50 hectares.