By Evans Momodu
Published 14:41 UK GMT

The UK farming community has been left furious after the sudden pause on new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme.

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) described the decision as a “shattering blow”, highlighting the lack of consultation and the short notice given before the government announced the policy change.

Only 30 Minutes' Notice Before SFI Suspension

According to the NFU, the government gave just 30 minutes’ warning before announcing that new applications for the SFI scheme were closing on Tuesday.

Launched in 2022, the post-Brexit SFI scheme was designed to pay farmers and land managers for adopting sustainable practices that improve productivity, climate resilience, and environmental conservation. Farmers could choose from over 100 options, including hedgerow management, organic farming, and habitat protection for wildlife.

Government Claims SFI Budget Has been Fully Allocated

Defending its decision, the government stated that the SFI budget had been fully allocated, citing a record that 50,000 farm businesses enrolled and over half of all farmed land now managed under its schemes.

However, the sudden pause has triggered backlash from both Conservative and Liberal Democrat politicians, who criticised the lack of prior warning and the impact on rural communities.

‘A Growing Disregard for Agriculture,’ Says NFU President

NFU President Tom Bradshaw condemned the move, arguing that it demonstrates the government’s poor understanding of the agricultural industry.

"This is another shattering blow to English farms, delivered yet again with no warning, no understanding of the industry, and a complete lack of compassion or care," he said.

"There has been no consultation, no communication—just a total lack of the 'partnership and co-design' that Defra always talks about. This is yet another sign of the growing disregard for agriculture within the department."

The NFU also expressed frustration that it was unable to warn its members before the announcement went public.

Political Fallout and Industry Reactions

The decision has fuelled political tensions, with Conservative MP Kemi Badenoch accusing Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer and Chancellor Rachel Reeves of failing to support rural communities.

In the House of Commons, shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins condemned the government for sneaking out the announcement, arguing that the SFI program was working for farmers, food production, and the environment.

She further criticised the government's wider farming policies, stating:

"This decision actively harms nature, actively harms the environment—and with war once again raging in Europe, to actively harm our food production is reckless beyond belief."

Atkins also warned of a trend of unpredictability in farming policies, citing compulsory purchase orders from the new planning bill and higher inheritance taxes imposed on family-run farms.

While existing SFI agreements will continue to be honoured, and outstanding applications will still be processed, the government has promised to announce a new SFI scheme after the Spending Review.

Farmers, however, remain deeply sceptical, fearing that future policies may further undermine the agricultural sector.