SFI26 now open - Is Your Farm Eligible?
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) Now Open – Is Your Farm Eligible?
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) is now open for its first application window, giving eligible farmers and land managers another opportunity to secure funding for sustainable farming practices and improve long-term farm profitability.
With £240 million available for new SFI26 agreements, the latest scheme supports farmers who want to improve environmental management while maintaining productive, profitable businesses. The first application window opened on 30 June 2026 and is expected to remain open for around two months, although it could close earlier if the allocated funding is fully committed
Who Can Apply for SFI26 Window 1?
The first application window is open to two groups:
- Small farms that meet the current eligibility criteria.
- Farms that do not already have an existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement.
You only need to qualify under one of these categories to submit an application. If you are unsure whether your business is eligible, professional advice can help you avoid unnecessary delays or missed funding opportunities
Before You Apply
Before starting your Sustainable Farming Incentive application, it's important to check that your digital land records are accurate.
Ensure that:
- All land parcels you wish to include are shown correctly
- Land areas and land cover are up to date
- Your application includes at least 3 hectares of eligible agricultural land, which is the minimum requirement for starting an SFI26 application
Preparing this information in advance can significantly reduce delays during the application process.
Why Apply for the Sustainable Farming Incentive?
The Sustainable Farming Incentive has become one of the most important sources of government funding for English farms. It rewards practical actions that improve environmental outcomes while supporting resilient food production.
Potential benefits include:
- Additional income through government funding
- Improved soil health and nutrient management
- Better environmental performance
- Greater resilience against changing weather conditions
- Support for sustainable long-term farm management
- Opportunities to strengthen overall farm business profitability
Funding Is Limited
Window 1 has an allocated budget of £60 million from the overall £240 million SFI26 fund.
If demand is particularly high, applications may close before the planned end date once the available funding has been allocated. Farmers who are eligible but do not apply during Window 1 will have another opportunity when Window 2 opens later in 2026, subject to eligibility and available funding.
You only need to be in one of the groups to apply. You can find the eligibility criteria for Window 1 in the SFI Scheme and Guidance.
CHECK IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR SFI
How Douglas Green Consulting Can Help
Applying for farm grants is not simply about completing paperwork. Choosing the right SFI options can have a significant impact on both your farm's environmental performance and financial returns.
At Douglas Green Consulting, we work with farmers across the UK to maximise opportunities through the Sustainable Farming Incentive and other agricultural support schemes.
As experienced farm business consultants and dairy farm consultants, we can help you:
- Assess your eligibility
- Identify the most suitable SFI actions
- Prepare and submit your application
- Integrate SFI options into your wider farm business strategy
- Maximise available grant funding while supporting productive farming
Whether you operate a dairy enterprise, mixed farm or livestock business, we provide practical, independent advice tailored to your individual farming objectives.
Need Advice on Your SFI26 Application?
If you're considering applying for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 but are unsure where to start, our farm consultants can help you navigate the process with confidence.
Call Douglas Green Consulting today on 01666 817278 to discuss your eligibility and how we can help you secure the most appropriate funding for your farm.