We all benefit from living in a global economy, but the last few years have shown us that global supply chains are vulnerable. COVID-19, the Ukraine War, and now war in the Middle East are a reminder that we can't always assume goods will continue to flow smoothly around the world. It's essential we understand that for our most critical products, like food.
The Conservative Government are now making changes to the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), to protect our food security. As well as raising payment rates automating more of the application process, the Government is adapting the scheme to keep more land in food production. Data from last year's SFI showed that some farms were taking over 80% of their farms out of food production. While taking land out of production for a short time can be a good idea to increase productivity, it's not what we want for the long term.
The SFI is being adapted this year by putting limits on how extensively SFI actions can be used in any one farm, so that no more than 25% of a farm's land can be entered into the following 6 actions:
- Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management - IGL1
- Winter bird food on improved grassland - IGL2
- Pollen and nectar flower mix - AHL1
- Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land - AHL2
- Grassy field corners and blocks - AHL3
- Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips – IPM2
DEFRA is talking to farmers all the time to test how the SFI is working in practice, and make it easier for farmers to use.