Defra Issues Guidance to Prepare for SFI 2026 Applications

In preparation for the launch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26), the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published guidance to help farmers in England get ready to apply to the scheme when the first application window opens.

This window will open for a maximum of two months (or sooner if the budget is fully allocated) and is targeted at two eligible groups:

Small farms - any farm business with up to 50 hectares (ha) of agricultural land registered with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) and linked to its Single Business Identifier (SBI) on 1 January 2026; or
Farms without an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement (including SFI 2023 (SFI23) and SFI 2024 (SFI24), Countryside Stewardship (Mid or Higher Tier), or Higher Level Stewardship).

A second application window will open in September 2026 for all farmers. If they are eligible for Window 1 but do not apply during that period, they can apply in Window 2 instead.

Each farm business will only be able to have one SFI 2026 agreement (across both Window 1 and Window 2), with a maximum agreement value of £100,000 per agreement year.

What to do before making an application in Window 1

Check your digital maps show the correct land details, including parcel areas and land cover.
Ensure that registered contact details are up to date – the RPA will use the business email address on record to make contact about SFI 2026 applications and agreements.
Check that the correct permissions to apply for SFI 2026 have been assigned.

Full scheme information to be published at a later date

Full SFI 2026 scheme information for all applicants will be published before Window 1 opens in June 2026 and will include:

the terms and conditions that apply to SFI 2026 agreements
the scheme rules (which explain the mandatory requirements set out in the SFI 2026 terms and conditions)
the SFI 2026 actions (to be published on the ‘Find funding for land or farms’ service)
guidance to support completion of applications