The new release of the Sustainable Farming Incentive is about to be available for applications. As with all new schemes, I am sure there will be much trepidation about it, but is this a good scheme and should you be exploring the income that may be available here?
As I am sure you will have noticed, the Basic Payments for all claimants in England are reducing and have been for the last couple of years. For many, that means that other forms of income are being looked into. The early release of the Sustainable Farming Incentive in 2022 was disappointing and offered little to many, but the 2023 release is much more promising.
So what is the Sustainable Farming Incentive?
In essence, The Sustainable Farming Incentive is an ‘’environmental scheme,’’ but don’t let this put you off. The scheme is non-competitive, therefore if you put in an application you are guaranteed an offer of an agreement. If you decided to go ahead with the resultant agreement; it would last three years and payments would be made quarterly in arrears with monthly start dates available.
What payment options are available to me?
There are many options available, but the most popular are likely to be the following:
Herbal Lays £382/ha
Legumes on improved grassland £102/ha
Low input grassland £151/ha
Hedgerow assessment £3/100m of single side
Hedgerow management £10/100m of single side
Hedgerow trees £10/100m of both sides
Winter Cover crops £129/ha
Nutrient Management Report £589
Integrated pest management plan £989
Some of these options may sound very familiar, as they are currently available under Countryside Stewardship, but it is worth noting that for the same payment level, the management is much more flexible. For example, you can supplementary feed on the low input grassland and there is no need to wait until the 1st July to cut forage, just to shut the field to allow it to flower and go to seed prior to cutting.
What if I only rent the land?
If you have certainty of agreement for the next three years, you do not need landlords consent to apply. Even if you don’t, agreements are transferrable meaning you could still go ahead with an application.
How do I apply?
You can currently register your interest on the Rural Payments portal. I understand that you will then be invited to apply within 4 weeks. If you would like any assistance with making an application or some further advise on the scheme please do not hesitate to contact Gemma on 07533340847 or gemma@blackdownconsulting.co.uk