Another broken promise to farmers by the government

The announcement late last night (Tuesday 11 March) by the government to close the current Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI) with immediate effect, after promising to support it, has sent shockwaves through the farming community and the countryside.

The government had assured applicants that in the event of any closure of the scheme they would receive six weeks’ notice, allowing those who had an SFI application time to complete and submit. Closing the scheme immediately has torn up that pledge. Smaller farms, which lack the resources of larger estates to prioritise applications for government schemes, stand to be especially disadvantaged even as they contemplate how to navigate the Family Farm Tax announced in the Budget.

The Countryside Alliance recognises the success of the SFI in increasing farmer participation, delivering for nature and supporting sustainable food production. This announcement risks everything that has been achieved and comes at a time when farmers are facing mounting pressures and desperately need stability, clarity, and security.

Farmers are being asked to navigate an increasingly uncertain landscape, from concerns about the farm tax to broader economic pressures, while continuing to produce high-quality food and tackling biodiversity decline and climate change. This decision comes at a time when confidence in the farming sector is already fragile. Closing to applications without immediate clarity on what comes next risks exacerbating uncertainty.

We urge the government to provide a clear and detailed roadmap for the next phase of support, with transparent timelines and a robust commitment to ensuring farm businesses remain viable. All we currently know is that something will be forthcoming after the next spending review later in the year. Farmer and land managers need confidence that any future scheme will be accessible, fairly and fully funded, and properly targeted to support both food production and environmental sustainability. Budgetary controls are important, but must not come at the expense of delivering meaningful support to those who need it most and on whom the government is dependent to deliver its environmental objectives.

The agricultural sector has demonstrated its willingness to engage with environmental land management schemes, as evidenced by record participation numbers. Now, the government must reciprocate by ensuring a smooth transition to the next phase, without leaving farmers in limbo. A clear, long-term plan is essential to maintaining trust, supporting rural economies, and ensuring British farming remains resilient in the face of ongoing challenges.

The current situation is unprecedented and totally unacceptable. Defra faces a serious loss of confidence in its ability to deliver for the countryside.