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Starting your Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) journey is becoming increasingly urgent for farm businesses looking to boost resilience and cashflow. The scheme has gone through several revisions since its pilot in 2021, with the latest update released under the new Labour government. Despite the changes, the need for SFI payments to offset declining farm incomes, unpredictable weather, and the phase-out of the Basic Payment Scheme is crucial.

The expanded SFI 2024 offer, introduced in July, requires farmers to submit expressions of interest to the Rural Payments Agency before applying. It includes 102 actions to choose from, with options carried over from previous versions and new actions like payments for no-till, precision farming, dry stone wall maintenance, and moorland options.

Key changes in the SFI 2024 offer include the ability to have static or rotational actions, tighter wording for certain actions, and the addition of new capital items. Farmers must carefully consider the costs and management implications of each action to ensure practicality and effectiveness.

The SFI scheme offers quarterly payments, flexible rotational actions, and management payments, making it an attractive opportunity for farm businesses. Popular actions include zero insecticide use, herbal leys, and winter cover crops. The scheme provides income that is not profit, with arable farms receiving an average of £102/ha from SFI agreements.

One significant addition to the latest update is the inclusion of new capital items to support agroforestry, with specific grants for tree planting and maintenance. Agroforestry can provide additional revenue and resilience for farms, with the potential for stacking actions to maximize returns.

A case study of a mixed arable and beef farm in South Oxfordshire demonstrates the potential for SFI to exceed previous income levels from the Basic Payment Scheme. By utilizing a variety of actions and stacking practices, the farm has increased its income and is exploring opportunities for further revenue from private sources.

In conclusion, entering the SFI now can provide a stable source of income and environmental rewards for farm businesses. Careful consideration of actions, costs, and long-term Sustainability is key to maximizing the benefits of the scheme. The inclusion of agroforestry options and private funding opportunities further enhance the potential for revenue and resilience in farming operations.

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