Sustainable Farming Incentive
The L&F team are busy preparing SFI applications for a range of farm sizes and farming systems. Whilst for some farms the SFI Actions are easily incorporated, for others it will mean more significant changes to farming operations. It is certainly pleasing that the RPA are turning the applications around quickly. There is no application deadline, so the sooner you apply, the sooner payments will begin to flow.
A summary of some of the Actions that are proving popular:
| Code | Action | Payment Rate |
| SAM2 | Winter cover crops | £129 per ha |
| IPM4 | No use of insecticides | £45 per ha |
| IPM1 and NUM1 | Integrated Pest Management and Nutrient Management Plans | £989 and £589 per year |
| NUM2 | Legumes on improved grassland | £102 per ha |
| NUM3 | Legume fallow | £593 per ha |
| IGL2 | Winter bird food on improved grassland | £474 per ha |
| LIG1 | Low input grassland | £151 per ha |
Full list of actions and payment rates can be found below >
The end of the Cross Compliance Rules
The Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) will formally come to an end on 31st December. The end of BPS also means the end of the Cross Compliance Rules. In its place will be a raft of existing regulations that serve to protect the environment and animal health and welfare. Defra have created a helpful central guide to all such regulations which can be found here >
