Government Chaos Leaves Farmers Without Support for Sustainable Farming Transition

The sudden closure, announced in March 2025, has raised serious questions about the government's commitment to supporting farmers in their transition to sustainable agriculture.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which forms a key part of the government’s Environmental Land Management (ELM) programme, was designed to reward farmers for taking actions that benefit the environment, such as reducing pesticide use, planting wildflower strips, and maintaining hedgerows. This scheme had been a vital support mechanism for farmers working towards more sustainable, animal-friendly practices, and it was expected to help them recover from the pressures caused by Brexit, fluctuating government policies, and a challenging economic climate.

However, despite assurances that the scheme would remain open for the year, the government unexpectedly closed applications in March, stating that the budget for 2025 had already been fully allocated. The move has left farmers who had already started applications without a clear pathway to access the funds they need to implement sustainable farming practices, while others are uncertain about future funding opportunities.

The government's handling of the closure highlights the missed opportunity to help farmers adopt more humane and environmentally responsible practices.

Mark Borthwick, UK Farming Policy Manager at World Animal Protection UK said:

The chaotic handling of the SFI scheme has left farmers confused and unable to futureproof their farms. A just transition into nature-friendly, higher-welfare farming requires planning and dependability. We need consistent funding to create resilient farms that are better for animals and the planet, and more resilient to market disruption. We urge the government to prioritise funding for nature-friendly farmers and reinstate SFIs or similar.

While the government has acknowledged the confusion caused by the closure and issued apologies, the lack of clarity around future funding for sustainable farming initiatives leaves many farmers uncertain about the path ahead. The unexpected closure of the SFI scheme comes at a time when farmers are already under significant financial pressure, with Brexit-related uncertainty and one of the worst harvests on record weighing heavily on the industry.

The closure of the SFI scheme for 2025 means there are currently no open ELM schemes available for farmers, creating a dangerous policy vacuum. This leaves farmers with little guidance on how to transition to higher-welfare, agroecological farming methods that can benefit animals, people, and the planet. A Just Transition in UK farming is needed - one that ensures farmers receive the support they need to shift away from intensive, factory-farming systems towards more sustainable, humane practices.

We need a transition that is carefully planned and fully supported. Without clear, consistent funding and policies that provide the necessary resources, we risk leaving farmers behind and undermining progress in protecting animals and the environment.

The government urgently needs to address the gaps left by this sudden closure by:

• Offering greater transparency from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) regarding future funding and available schemes.

• Confirming a clear timeline for future ELM scheme applications, allowing farmers to plan their sustainability efforts effectively.

• Expanding the Agroforestry Grant Scheme to include livestock species beyond cattle, recognising the benefits of silvopasture systems for pigs and poultry.

• Ensuring that regenerative farming methods are properly valued and rewarded, making them financially viable for farmers.

Farmers are demonstrating that keeping animals outdoors in natural environments, such as under trees, can significantly improve animal welfare, support farm livelihoods, and contribute to climate solutions. But these farmers need the right support mechanisms to scale these approaches. The government must restore trust by ensuring that future spending reviews provide meaningful support for nature-friendly farming.

The need for a coherent, sustainable agricultural strategy has never been clearer. The government must act swiftly to restore confidence among farmers and ensure that the necessary support is in place for the long-term success of both the agricultural sector and the planet.