Tom is a policy lead in Defra’s Sustainable Farming Incentive team.
His team is responsible for developing, testing and refining policy for the scheme roll out from 2022. This team works with the Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme pilot, tests and trials, and other parts of new environmental land management schemes
In this post, we’ll share details of the expanded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and links for you to learn more.
We plan to launch the Sustainable Farming Incentive in June. Today we can share the final standards and payment rates, our approach to the applications process and how to prepare, In this post, I’ll provide an overview and share links to further information on GOV.UK. I’ll also explain how farmers have directly shaped the scheme …
Today we published further information on the Sustainable Farming Incentive. You can find it, in full, on GOV.UK. In this post, I’ll share a summary of the things that are new, the things we’ve changed following feedback and what you can expect in 2022.
In July, we opened the applications window for farmers to join our Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot. In this post, Lisa Applin (Rural Payments Agency) and Tom Lewis (Future Farming and Countryside Programme) share the results of the application process, what the team learned and what they will do next.
In March, we invited farmers to express interest in taking part in the first Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot. In this post, we'd like to share the response and what we’ll do next.
In this post, I'll provide an overview of our approach to payments for farmers taking part in the Sustainable Farming Incentive pilot.
At NFU21, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, George Eustice, spoke about the Sustainable Farming Incentive. In this post, Tom Lewis explains our approach to SFI and what you need to know.
Each month, we bring together the latest policy updates, funding opportunities, consultations, research and statistics, helping you stay informed about the issues that matter to you.
10 October Alwinton Show at Gallow Law, Alwinton, Northumberland.
15 October Soil Association Organic Trade Conference at the Barbican Centre, London.
Find a list of the other shows and events we’re attending.
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.
This week is National Young Farmers Week. Visit the NFYFC website for details on how to take part in the club scarecrow-building challenge, the YFC Food Drop, and show your support on social media.
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.
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.
Read the new guidance to understand what the changes could mean for your business and how to prepare.
