That this House expresses deep concern over the chaotic opening of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 application window on 22 September 2026; notes that the budget was exhausted within hours; recognises that the window followed 18 months without new schemes and coincided with expiring 2023 SFI, Mid Tier and Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship agreements, leaving thousands of farmers unable to apply despite months of preparation; further notes repeated rule changes, removed actions and reduced payment rates; believes farm businesses already under pressure cannot wait until 2027 for funding; and calls on the Government to increase the budget for environmental land management schemes, publish opening dates well in advance, introduce year-round or quarterly windows, lengthen agreement terms, stop annual rule changes, and consult farmers with direct experience of the broken system.
Signatories (22)
- Tim Farron Sponsor
- Ian Roome
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Alex Brewer
- Brian Mathew
- Steff Aquarone
- Sarah Dyke
- Dr Roz Savage
- Victoria Collins
- James MacCleary
- Richard Foord
- Claire Young
- Mr Joshua Reynolds
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Dr Al Pinkerton
- Jess Brown-Fuller
- Andrew George
- Jim Shannon
- Helen Maguire
- Mr Will Forster
- Rachel Gilmour
- Clive Jones