²ÝÁñÉçÇø

NFU Conference: New SFI scheme not enough to repair farmers' 'crisis of confidence' in Labour

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins said the deckchairs have been rearranged one too many times for farmers since Labour came to office in 2024

Chris Brayford
clock • 5 min read
Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins: "Here we are in February, nearly in March, and they are proposing to open this scheme in June, more than a year since they stopped the original scheme, whilst farmers have been flailing around having a cash flow crisis as a consequence. I cannot see anyone trusting what this Secretary or any other Secretary now with this Government as they will assume they will break their promises as they did with the family farm tax, and as they did with SFI without having a replacement scheme."
Image:

Shadow Defra Secretary Victoria Atkins: "Here we are in February, nearly in March, and they are proposing to open this scheme in June, more than a year since they stopped the original scheme, whilst farmers have been flailing around having a cash flow crisis as a consequence. I cannot see anyone trusting what this Secretary or any other Secretary now with this Government as they will assume they will break their promises as they did with the family farm tax, and as they did with SFI without having a replacement scheme."

The Government has still failed to grasp the true depths of skepticism and distrust that farmers have for ministers after announcing its new Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for 2026. At NFU Conference...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Politics

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Loyal frontbenchers back Starmer to stay on as PM

Former Defra Secretary Steve Reed said the Labour Party must unite behind the Prime Minister, adding that a change at the top will 'lead to chaos'

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 5 min read
Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Plaid Cymru leader confirmed First Minister of Wales

Rhun ap Iorwerth says his new role is 'greatest privilege' of his life as he preapres to form Plaid's first ever government

clock 12 May 2026 • 1 min read
Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Labour MP resigns as Reynolds' PPS amidst growing calls for PM to step down

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds' Private Parliamentary Secretary Tom Rutland is one of a growing number of Labour backbenchers calling on Sir Keir Starmer to quit as Prime Minister

Chris Brayford
clock 12 May 2026 • 2 min read