Earn More SFI Income For No More Effort?

The latest iteration of SFI, SFI 2024, has been open for applications since 1^st of August on a controlled rollout (applications will be open to all later this Summer, says the RPA).  It contains a number of new options (the list now covers 10 pages instead of the 2 pages of the SFI 2023), many of which are equivalent to existing Mid Tier options.  While it is great that there is more choice of options, it also makes the SFI scheme more confusing unless you want to trawl though endless pages of information about all the options.  The online application process remains fairly straightforward, but even with the SFI 2023 and its limited number of options, we have reviewed what farmers have applied for, and in some cases found significant additional funding.

Two examples of “easy options” in SFI:

1. You should be applying for all the management plans.  As you have12 months to implement the option and SFI is paid quarterly, you could receive 75% of payment for the option, before having to pay for an adviser to create your plan.  The real profit comes when you use the plans to actually improve soil management, nutrient management, and pesticide management.  You can probably double the SFI payments in real farm benefits by using the plans created for you.
2. Winter Cover Following Maize Crop (SOH4).  While the guidance says that you must not establish a cash crop, you may establish a crop that will remain on your farm, e.g. grass that will be grazed or cut for silage.  You may not, however, apply any fertiliser or manures during the winter months, and must achieve a good green cover over the winter.  Again, this option will have the benefit of £203/ha it pays, but also the protection of your soil over winter, reducing soil erosion, mopping up excess nutrients, and improving soil structure.

While point 1 is very general, point 2 is more specific.  What they do have in common is that they are encouraging you to adopt best practice (or rewarding you for doing so).  You can see it as “I am being paid to try this out”.

The sheer amount of options in the new SFI means that even farmers who have an SFI 2023 agreement should look at which new options may stack onto it, and anyone not yet in an SFI agreement is likely to find at least a few options that they may claim on.

Why use FCG to help you design your SFI scheme?

1. We have a long successful track record in BPS, Mid Tier, CSS, Capital Grant scheme applications, and now SFI.
2. We have an overall knowledge of farming systems and the practicalities of farming, both livestock and cropping.
3. We understand the finances and consider all additional costs in recommending specific options.
4. We have studied the options, share experiences with 25 + other consultants and queried specifics with the RPA which we can apply to all our clients to provide the best value service.

Get in touch today to design a financially and practically better scheme for your farm and your pocket by contacting Ellice on: 07944 680469 or ellicehahne@fcgagric.com