How to Maximise the Sustainable Farming Incentive

Farmers now have an excellent opportunity to make their operations more sustainable while benefiting from government support through the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). As part of the UK government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme, the SFI not only rewards farmers for adopting environmentally friendly practices but also offers capital grants to fund infrastructure improvements.

In this article, we’ll explore what the SFI entails, focusing on the capital grants available, and how AT Bone & Sons can help you take full advantage of these opportunities.

What is the Sustainable Farming Incentive?

The Sustainable Farming Incentive is a government scheme that pays farmers to manage their land in an environmentally sustainable way. The SFI aims to promote sustainable farming practices that improve soil health, increase biodiversity and mitigate the impact of climate change.

What Capital Grants are Available?

Several capital grants are particularly relevant to the services provided by AT Bone & Sons:

• RP4: Livestock and Machinery Hardcore Tracks 

This grant supports the construction of new livestock and farm machinery tracks, helping to reduce soil erosion and improve farm efficiency. The government provides £40 per square metre for this improvement.

• RP15: Concrete Yard Renewal 

Renewing concrete yards can significantly reduce the risk of water pollution from farm operations. The grant offers £27.14 per square metre to support this work.

• RP27: Sprayer or Applicator Load and Washdown Area 

This grant helps fund the construction of a permanent sealed loading and washdown area for sprayers and applicators, reducing the risk of water pollution. The payment rate is £40 per square metre.

• RP28: Roofing 

This versatile grant covers roofing for various agricultural structures, including sprayer washdown areas, manure storage areas, livestock gathering areas, slurry stores, and silage stores. The government provides £72.50 per square metre for this improvement.

The Evolution of the Sustainable Farming Incentive

The SFI has undergone several changes since its inception. Initially, it focused on soil health, but in 2022 additional standards were introduced, including an annual health and welfare review, hedgerow standard and integrated pest management.

Looking ahead, there will be further updates to the SFI. These include increased payment rates for the moorland standard and the introduction of an improved grassland standard. These changes reflect the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting sustainable farming practices.

Capital Grants under the Sustainable Farming Incentive

One of the key features of the SFI is the availability of capital grants. These grants are designed to fund infrastructure improvements that support environmental outcomes. 

Capital grants are available as part of a revenue agreement (Mid Tier or Higher Tier) and/or as a standalone Capital Grant agreement, with three years to complete the capital works.

Standalone Capital Grants have a rolling application window, allowing you to apply at any time of the year. The Capital Grant 2024 offer provides standalone capital item agreements that deliver environmental outcomes within four groups: boundaries, trees and orchards; water quality; air quality; and natural flood management. There is no limit to the value of capital items in these groups, and there are 70 options available.

The 2024 Higher Tier capital grant offer provides a selection of specialist Higher Tier capital items to support environmental benefits for land already in a Countryside Stewardship (CS) or Environmental Stewardship/Higher Level Stewardship (ES/HLS) agreement. There are 20 capital items, with applications open all year.

Land in a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) or Scheduled Monument is now eligible for capital items if the land is already covered by an existing CS or ES/HLS agreement.

Grant Application Assistance

We offer comprehensive support to guide you through the SFI grant application process. Our team has extensive experience with SFI grants and can help you identify eligible improvements, prepare thorough applications, ensure compliance with all requirements and develop realistic budgets and timelines. 

Other Reasons to Get Involved with the Sustainable Farming Incentive

There are many benefits to participating in the SFI. Firstly, it can help improve your soil health, which in turn can lead to better crop yields. Healthy soil is more resilient to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, meaning your crops are better protected. This is particularly important in light of the increasing frequency and severity of such events due to climate change.

Secondly, the SFI can help increase biodiversity on your farm. By creating habitats for wildlife and implementing practices such as integrated pest management, you can promote a more diverse ecosystem. This not only benefits the environment but can also lead to increased yields. Research has shown that biodiversity can improve crop productivity by enhancing pollination and natural pest control.

Finally, participating in the SFI can help futureproof your farm. As consumer demand for sustainably produced food grows and environmental regulations tighten, adopting sustainable farming practices now can put you ahead of the curve. It can also open up new revenue streams, such as carbon credits or eco-tourism.

How AT Bone & Sons Can Help

We offer a range of services to support you, from soil testing to precision farming techniques. And with over 60 years of experience in agriculture and civil engineering, we are uniquely positioned to help you maximise the benefits of the capital grants. 

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities to improve your farm’s infrastructure and sustainability. Contact ATB today to discuss how we can help you make the most of the Sustainable Farming Incentive capital grants.