The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) continues to process SFI26 applications. It has reported 95% of applications from window 1 have now started, while roughly 36% of window 2 applications have also started. Applications are being processed in the order in which they have been submitted.
The RPA has also confirmed an extension to the “technical issue exception group”, who contacted the RPA before the SFI26 window closed. These applicants will now be permitted to continue their applications.
The “technical issue exception group” are those who had started an application but did not submit it before Window 2 closed (‘started not submitted’ (SNS) farmers) and were prevented from applying because of a technical issue with the application service. However, given the short Window 2 application period, Ministers have decided to extend the ‘technical issue’ exception group to include:
- a small number of additional SNS farmers who reported valid technical issues up to one week after Window 2 closed (by 11:59pm on 29 September 2026)
- farmers who (i) submitted applications affected by a valid technical issue before Window 2 closed on 22 September; and (ii) reported that valid technical issue up to one week after Window 2 closed (by 11:59pm on 29 September 2026). They will be allowed to amend their submitted applications to include elements which the system should have allowed them to apply for under the scheme rules.
Farmers who reported issues after 11:59pm on 29 September will not qualify for the extended technical issue exception group.
Assisted digital farmers, who need the RPA to complete an application on their behalf, will also be permitted to make an application.
The RPA is continuing to work through queries received from farmers and agents as quickly as possible. This includes assessing reports of technical issues. This may take a few more weeks to complete. To read more, click here.
