Sustainability

Following the Secretary of State’s announcement at the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) Conference, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a blog setting out definitions, details and expectations for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26).

This update provides initial headline points only. Further detail will follow once all information has been released and reviewed.

The Environment Secretary has announced major reforms to the Sustainable Farming Incentive, a new £30m Farmer Collaboration Fund, and extended support for upland communities. These measures aim to boost productivity, profitability, and sustainability, with full details expected later this year.

AIC Services are pleased to confirm that our AIC Sustainable Commodities Scheme (ASCS) is now published.

With COP30 currently ongoing, it is timely that the Government has published its Carbon Budget Growth and Delivery Plan (CBGD Plan).

Defra has announced that over 5,000 farmers in England with Countryside Stewardship Mid-Tier (CSMT) agreements expiring on 31 December 2025 will be offered a one-year extension.

AIC is pleased to announce our partnership with Sustainable Foods 2026, taking place on 28–29 January 2026 at the Business Design Centre, London.

Following the European Commission’s response to the UK Government on proposal COM(2025)408 final (18 September 2025), covering SPS and ETS linkage, we assess implications for emissions trading, free allowances, and CBAM.

Defra’s latest updates outline changes to farming support, innovation funding, and stewardship schemes following a ministerial reshuffle.