SFI26: Window 2 now closed
Window 2 of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to submit an application.
Tom Foster
Tom Foster is the Rural Payments Agency's Grants Service Director.
Tom oversees the teams responsible for:
- Policy and strategy alignment and influence
- Service design, development, and testing
- Operating model design and delivery readiness
- Rollout of new services to operational teams
- Ongoing service support and continuous improvement
His teams work closely with colleagues across the RPA, Defra policy teams, and Defra's Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) function to ensure the successful delivery of end-to-end farming schemes and grants that meet the needs of customers and the organisation.
Tom became a civil servant in 2009, when he joined the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Prior to this, he worked in a variety of consulting and charity sector roles, both in the UK and overseas.
Tom joined the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) in 2024, where he supported the expansion of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2024 offer and the rollout of Higher Tier schemes.
SFI26 update: Window 1 now closed
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.
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7 October Dairy Show at The Bath & West Showground, Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
10 October Alwinton Show at Gallow Law, Alwinton, Northumberland.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending in 2026
Helping farmers access water this autumn
Drought is putting real pressure on farmers this year. The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October.
We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.
As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment.
Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.
Storing fertiliser safely
If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.
Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.
Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.
Get advice
The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.
Catchment Sensitive Farming (CSF) helps farmers in England protect water, air and soil. CSF advisers can provide advice on best practices and specific actions that will benefit your farm business and the environment.
We’ve compiled a list of organisations offering wellbeing support to those in the farming community.
Join a webinar
Livestock disease guidance
Preparing your business for the UK-EU SPS agreement
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
