NFU warns Defra over SFI budget shortfall for farmers
What happened
The NFU warned Defra regarding issues with the SFI budget. The second SFI26 application window, which closed on September 22, was described as unstable. The budget provided for this window was £253m, which was insufficient to cover the value of expiring agreements exceeding £500m for 22,000 farmers and growers.
From fwi.co.uk
Why it matters
The funding gap in the SFI scheme creates financial uncertainty for farmers and growers in England. The NFU stated that the budget did not meet the need, leaving those who deliver environmental work facing financial difficulty.
From fwi.co.uk
Who's involved
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- EnglandSpeculative
Farmers and growers in England might face increased cashflow uncertainty and difficult financial decisions due to the funding gap in the SFI scheme.