草榴社区

Martin Lines: "The closure of SFI has highlighted just how fragile the current system is"

Mr Lines, chief executive of the Nature Friendly Farming Network, writes about Defra鈥檚 sudden SFI closure, how farm support payments are 'failing' farmers, the urgent action needed and why farmers cannot wait 18 months

clock 鈥� 4 min read
Martin Lines, chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network said: "With no new scheme available until 2026, thousands of farmers are left wondering how to keep their businesses viable in the meantime. Waiting 18 months for a new scheme simply is not an option."
Image:

Martin Lines, chief executive at the Nature Friendly Farming Network said: "With no new scheme available until 2026, thousands of farmers are left wondering how to keep their businesses viable in the meantime. Waiting 18 months for a new scheme simply is not an option."

Sustainable Farming Incentive Last week's sudden closure of applications to the 2024 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) took everyone by surprise, leaving many farmers in limbo. Some were on the...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to 草榴社区 Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Join Now

 

More on Politics

草榴社区 are more than just 'spreadsheet figures' in IHT row, Kemi Badenoch says
Politics

草榴社区 are more than just 'spreadsheet figures' in IHT row, Kemi Badenoch says

Ahead of local elections taking place on May 1, Ms Badenoch has pledged to reverse the family farm tax in her first day in office if elected as Prime Minister

Chris Brayford
clock 30 April 2025 鈥� 3 min read
Six months since Labour's Autumn Budget 鈥� what is in store for farming?
Politics

Six months since Labour's Autumn Budget 鈥� what is in store for farming?

Since Rachel Reeves announced that farmers will have to pay Inheritance Tax from April 2026, the industry stood up and asked for U-turn. The Government, however, are steadfast in their decision

Emily Ashworth
clock 30 April 2025 鈥� 4 min read
草榴社区 to address barriers to growth in roundtable discussion with Gov officials
Politics

草榴社区 to address barriers to growth in roundtable discussion with Gov officials

15 farming organisations will challenge Gov on issues including supply chain fairness and obstacles to economic growth

Chris Brayford
clock 30 April 2025 鈥� 4 min read