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DEFRA have published near-final scheme information on SFI26, including important clarification on when Window 1 will open and who is eligible to apply.
The Pilot
A small number of farmers who are eligible for Window 1 have been invited to submit an expression of interest and by invitation, will be able to apply from 18th June 2026.
When will Window 1 open?
Window 1 is expected to open on 30th June 2026.
Who can apply in Window 1?
To be eligible to apply in Window 1, a business must qualify as either a ‘small’ farm or a farm without an existing ELM revenue agreement.
What is a ‘small’ farm?
The guidance defines a small farm as a business:
· registered with the RPA on 1st January 2026
· with less than 50ha (123.55 acres) of agricultural land registered to it as of that date; and
· with at least 3ha (7.41 acres) of agricultural land registered to it at the time of application.
Crucially, under the current guidance, a ‘small’ farm must have had some agricultural land registered to it as of 1st January 2026 but need not have had the minimum 3ha and so long as it had no more than 50ha of agricultural land registered to it as of 1st January 2026, could have in excess of 50ha registered to it at the time of application.
What is an existing ELM revenue agreement?
The guidance defines an ELM revenue agreement as:
- SFI
- Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier (CSMT)
- Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT)
- Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) under Environmental Stewardship
Crucially however, a business can still qualify if they held any of the above agreements previously, so long as the agreement was not ‘live’ on 1st January 2026 (i.e. had expired before that date).
When will Window 2 open and who is eligible?
Window 1 is expected to open in September 2026, although the exact date is yet to be confirmed.
Everyone who meets the general eligibility requirements for SFI26 will be eligible to apply in Window 2.
When will Windows 1 and 2 close?
Window 1 is expected to remain open for around 2 months but may close earlier or later, dependent upon demand and budgetary constraints.
Window 2 has no fixed end date, but closure will again be dependent upon demand and budgetary constraints.
DEFRA are expected to make periodic announcements, as and when 25%, 50% and 75% of the funding is allocated.
For advice on SFI26 or assistance preparing an application, contact Stags Professional Services on 01823 653424 to be put in touch with your local professional.
