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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

SFI26 update: Window 1 now closed

Posted by: Tom Foster, Posted on: 29 August 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive

Window 1 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) has now closed. We expect Window 2 to open from 22 September. This post provides an overview of figures and insights from Window 1.

Read more of SFI26 update: Window 1 now closed - 3 comments

SFI26: an update

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 5 August 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
A wildflower-rich grassland with white clover and flowering plantain in the foreground. In the background, a person is working in the field, with rolling green farmland and farm buildings visible in the distance under a clear sky.

This post updates farmers on SFI26 uptake in Window 1, when it may close, and applying on SSSI land. We also explain how eligible farmers with ELM agreements ending soon can apply in Window 2 before those agreements expire.

Read more of SFI26: an update - 35 comments

Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 2 July 2026 - Categories: Countryside Stewardship
Sheep grazing on species-rich grassland in a gently sloping pasture, with mixed grasses and wild plants in the foreground, trees along the field edge, and rolling countryside in the background.

This post outlines our plans to expand CSHT to more farmers and land managers in England.

Read more of Rolling out Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier - 2 comments

SFI26 update: around 25% of window 1 budget now allocated

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 1 July 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Wide view of a large green crop field with tramlines stretching into the distance, bordered by trees and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.

We can confirm that around 25% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has now been allocated, based on applications received so far.

Read more of SFI26 update: around 25% of window 1 budget now allocated

Get ready to apply for SFI26

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 6 May 2026 - Categories: Sustainable Farming Incentive
Open Dell laptop on a wooden table displaying a “Land summary” webpage with an aerial map of agricultural land divided into blue outlined plots, with a blue teapot on a red mat beside the laptop.

Initial information on the SFI26 scheme is now live on GOV.UK for farmers who may be eligible to apply in Window 1.

Read more of Get ready to apply for SFI26

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