Soil at the heart of Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme

Payments for simple measures which maintain and enhance soil health can now be claimed by farmers.

It follows the launch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive which opened for applications earlier this summer. It is the first of three new environmental land management schemes being introduced by the government.

The scheme is available to all farmers who currently receive Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) payments. Defra said the scheme was designed to be accessible, and will reward sustainable practices which support food production and benefit the environment.

Grassland farmers can claim £28-£58/ha depending on how much eligible land they enter into the scheme. Arable and horticultural growers can claim £22-£40/ha. Applicants must produce a soil management plan and test soil organic matter.

Food security

The government says the schemes will ensure long-term food security by investing in the foundations of food production: healthy soil, water, and biodiverse ecosystems. It says it worked with more than 4,000 farmers to test and trial the new approach.

Defra says the two soil standards recognise the importance of healthy soil for successful farming and the environment. A moorland standard – paying farmers to assess the condition land as a basis for further action – is also being launched.

Defra secretary George Eustice launched the Sustainable Farming Incentive at the Groundswell show earlier this summer. The two-day conservation agriculture event saw over 5,500 visitors flock to Lannock Manor Farm in Hertfordshire. 

“It is really important that we create the space for innovation, to try new things and tailor them to the individual farm. We’ve challenged very hard to try and make sure that we stick to the principle of simplicity.”

Regular payments

Successful applicants can expect their first payment within three months. Defra says regular quarterly payments will be made thereafter. Two more modules will be launched: one on nutrients and another on hedgerows. 

Mr Eustice said: “There are no application windows and no deadlines. We’ve started with soil because it is at the heart of successful, profitable farming. It is also – if we get things right – the first part of the ecosystem that will start to recover.”

A further SFI module will reward farmers who adopt Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques to prevent, detect and control pests, weeds, and diseases (see box)

NFU president Minette Batters said: “What is needed now are the baseline metrics. Let’s get behind one tool and develop a common methodology, starting with the soil.”