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James Bush, Head of Farm Business, GSC Grays

GSC Grays backs SFI27 decision but warns farmers not to delay preparations

James Bush, Director, GSC Grays, said:

“Defra’s decision to scrap the first come, first served approach for SFI27 is absolutely the right decision. The SFI26 application process was nothing short of a debacle, placing enormous pressure on farmers and advisers, with technical problems and the race to secure funding leaving many farm businesses missing out on vital financial support. It was a system that rewarded speed rather than well-considered applications, and it is encouraging that Defra has finally recognised the need for a fairer approach.

“However, while the decision is a positive step, there is still very little detail about what SFI27 will look like, how applications will be assessed or how funding will be allocated. Until these questions are answered, considerable uncertainty remains for farm businesses trying to plan ahead.

“That uncertainty must not become a reason to delay preparations. Farm businesses cannot afford to take their foot off the throttle and should continue reviewing their options, assessing what works best for their land and business, and ensuring they are ready to act when the scheme opens.

“SFI should form part of a wider farm business strategy, rather than simply being an opportunity to secure funding. The priority must be choosing actions that deliver genuine environmental benefits while making financial and practical sense for the business.

“There is also the question of whether sufficient funding will be available to meet demand. The NFU has suggested that SFI27 will need a budget of around £1 billion and has called for approximately £960 million being released from expiring Agri-environment agreements to be reinvested in the scheme. A fairer application process is essential, but it must be backed by adequate funding if farmers are to have confidence in its future. If funding is not forthcoming, then we must expect restricted access and competitive assessment for entry into the scheme, which will mean many farming businesses still falling short.

“Farm businesses need certainty, a fair opportunity to access funding and sufficient time to make informed decisions. Defra must now provide the detail and deliver a scheme that achieves all three.”

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James Bush
Director

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