After two months, DEFRA closed SFI26 Window 1 at the end of August, with approximately 6,500 applications submitted and an average agreement value of around £10,000.

Window 1 was targeted at smaller farms and those without an existing agri-environment agreement. The five most popular actions were:

• Grassland with very low nutrient inputs
• Hedgerows
• The haymaking supplement
• Herbal leys
• Pond management

SFI 2026 Window 2 opening 

DEFRA has now confirmed that Window 2 will open on Tuesday 22 September, with all farmers able to apply provided they meet the scheme eligibility requirements.

Farmers who started an SFI26 application during Window 1 but did not submit it will, in most cases, be able to continue with and submit the same application when Window 2 opens.

However, some applicants will need to start a new application. This includes those who have updated their land mapping since starting their application and those with an ELM agreement ending on or before 28 February 2027 who need to use the new ‘apply early’ process. The RPA will contact affected farmers to explain what action they need to take.

This carry-over arrangement applies to Window 1 only. DEFRA has not yet confirmed how applications started but not submitted before the closure of Window 2 will be handled.

How to apply for SFI 2026?

Before starting an SFI26 application, the TFA recommends reading the ‘Get ready to apply’ guidance.

Farmers should also check that their land parcels are correctly mapped on the Rural Payments service before applying. Incorrect land details can delay an application, and mapping changes can take 7–10 days to appear on the system.

Looking beyond SFI26, DEFRA has confirmed that the 2027 offer will broadly follow the same scheme structure. The TFA is already in early discussions with DEFRA to help inform the development of the 2027 scheme.

In response to the update from DEFRA, TFA Chief Executive, George Dunn said:

“It is good to have clarity from DEFRA on the details for the opening of the main Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme (SFI) window on 22 September. It is also good that many farmers who started an application in the first window, but for whatever reason could not submit before the window closed, will have the opportunity to pick up that application in the main scheme window. With the difficulties faced by many within the farming community this year due to high input costs, the impact of drought and advancing animal disease, the funding through the SFI is a vital part of the toolkit in delivering resilience within the farming industry as we seek to enhance food, environmental and energy security for our nation. The removal of the old direct payments to farmers was implemented on the basis that farmers would receive public funding for the public goods that they do not get rewarded for by the marketplace despite the increased costs of maintaining good environmental management and animal welfare.  In that regard, DEFRA’s commitment to SFI in 2027 is also to be welcomed.”

This news article was written TFA Farm Policy Adviser, Lynette Steel

Related articles:

• TFA News Update – SFI 2026 Window 1 Now Open for Farmers in England: TFA Updates Members Exclusive Farm Schemes Blog
• TFA Members Exclusive Blog #338 – 2026 Farm Schemes (SFI 2026), Grants and Funding: What We Know So Far…
• Read top news stories from previous weeks

Further Resources from the TFA:

TFA members can get expert one-to-one advice and guidance, by calling TFA Farm Policy Adviser, Lynette Steel on 0118 930 6130.

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• Browse our Blog archive for the latest news, including farming policy updates
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