SFI Window 2 set for September with £230m up for grabs

SFI 2026 Window 2 is expected to open on 22 September with £230 million available, giving all farmers and land managers in England another opportunity to apply for support this autumn.

The announcement comes as Window 1 closes after attracting around 6,500 applications, while the NFU warns that cashflow pressures mean eligible farm businesses must not be left without access to support.

The Window 2 pot includes an additional £50 million announced as part of wider support following this summer’s extreme dry weather, while any unallocated funding from Window 1 will also be carried forward.

Unlike Window 1, which prioritised smaller farms and businesses without an existing Environmental Land Management revenue agreement, Window 2 will be open to all farmers and land managers in England.

Of the roughly 6,500 applications submitted in Window 1, 69% came from farms of up to 50 hectares and 87% from businesses without an existing ELM revenue agreement. More than half, 56%, met both criteria.

The average annual agreement value was just under £10,000.

Around 3,615 agreement offers have been issued so far, with applicants receiving offers in an average of 24 days. Offers must be accepted within 30 days.

Farmers planning to apply are being urged to check their digital maps and land parcel details before Window 2 opens, as incorrect information could prevent an application from progressing.

Defra has also advised applicants to read the ‘Get ready to apply’ guidance in the SFI26 scheme rules before starting an application.

The NFU welcomed the wider eligibility and additional funding, but warned that budget pressures could still leave some eligible businesses unable to access the scheme.

NFU vice-president Robyn Munt said: “With farms facing a cashflow crisis, every eligible business must be able to access SFI26 this autumn.”

She said the union recognised that budgetary pressures may limit access to Window 2, but warned that farm businesses wanting to deliver environmental benefits should not be left without a clear route forward.

Attention is also turning to what support will be available beyond this autumn.

Ministers have committed to offering an SFI27 scheme in 2027 and have said they intend to stabilise the main design of SFI for the remainder of this Parliament.

However, the NFU is pressing Defra for more detail on future funding and access to Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier so farm businesses can plan ahead with greater confidence.

Ms Munt said: “Farmers need this certainty to invest in more resilient businesses and continue delivering environmental benefits next year.”