UK Government Halts Sustainable Farming Incentive, Drawing Farmer and Conservationist Outcry

The abrupt suspension of a key nature-friendly farming scheme leaves English farmers and environmentalists grappling with financial and ecological uncertainties.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), a major part of England's environmental land management program, has been paused due to budget constraints, halting new applications for 2025.
Farmers and conservationists criticize the decision, warning it will harm both rural livelihoods and environmental conservation efforts across England.
The program's closure follows record participation, with 50,000 farm businesses enrolled, but an uncapped budget and high demand led to funding exhaustion.
Smaller farms, particularly in areas like the Lake District National Park, face significant financial strain as they lose access to vital support for heritage landscape maintenance.
The National Farmers’ Union and other agricultural groups have condemned the move, describing it as poorly managed and a blow to both food security and nature restoration.