The UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is reviewing the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, considering plans to exclude the wealthiest farmers from receiving post-Brexit nature funding. The SFI, which replaced the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy, encourages environmentally friendly land management practices. Currently, the scheme operates on a first-come, first-served basis, leading to quicker fund depletion by more affluent farmers.
This proposal has sparked debate among farming groups and climate experts. Critics argue that excluding wealthier farmers may hinder the UK’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and disadvantage those willing to contribute to environmental conservation. Conversely, proponents, such as Lucy Pegg from the Green Alliance, support redirecting funds to lower-paid farmers who play crucial roles in environmental stewardship. Tom Lancaster of the Energy and Climate Information Unit emphasizes the need for a more targeted SFI without restricting its availability.
The review of the SFI occurs amid other contentious measures affecting farmers, including the introduction of inheritance tax on agricultural land and granting compulsory purchase powers to Natural England. These developments have raised concerns within the farming community about the future of agricultural support and environmental initiatives in England.