Oxford Farming Conference Highlights: updates from the Secretary of State on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026
Guy Wilson, Head of Taunton Professional Services & RICS Registered Valuer at Stags, shares the latest updates on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Reynolds MP, has this morning provided welcome updates on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
Agricultural Property Relief
Reiterating announcements within the update published on APR in December 2025, Ms Reynolds announced that the inheritance tax threshold for APR and Business Property Relief (BPR) will increase from £1,000,000 to £2,500,000 and that unspent reliefs can be rolled-over between spouses, providing up to £5,000,000 of relief in addition to existing allowances; welcome news for land and business owners across the country.
Sustainable Farming Incentive
Ms Reynolds also announced the launch of a new SFI offer for 2026; again, welcome news for many farmers and land managers, following the unforeseen closure of the SFI expanded offer for 2024.
Two application windows have been announced for the new scheme; the first opening in June 2026 and the second in September 2026.
Detail is scant but we are advised that applications in the first window will be restricted to ‘small farms’, without existing environmental land management agreements; with eligibility widened for the second window.
It is expected that the scheme will continue to offer a broad range of actions, designed to suit a variety of farming systems and further guidance, including guidance on eligibility, is expected later this spring.
In less positive news however, the announcement alludes to a number of changes to the scheme, including further limitations on action areas and a review (read ‘reduction’) of some payment rates.
For advice on how these announcements might affect your farming business, contact Stags Professional Services on 01884 256331 to be put in touch with your local expert.
Guy Wilson, Head of Taunton Professional Services & RICS Registered Valuer at Stags, shares the latest updates on Agricultural Property Relief (APR) and the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI).
