World Animal Protection calls for farmer support as DEFRA abruptly halts sustainable farming scheme

This sudden decision has left thousands of farmers without a clear pathway to access agri-environmental schemes, threatening progress towards more sustainable and humane farming practices in the UK.

The SFI scheme was a key part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) framework, designed to support farmers in transitioning towards nature-friendly and higher-welfare farming.

Its unexpected closure has come at a particularly difficult time for UK agriculture, with farmers already struggling due to Brexit-related uncertainty, fluctuating government policies, and one of the worst harvests on record.

World Animal Protection has long advocated for a Just Transition for UK Farming - a planned and managed shift to sustainable, equitable, and humane food systems. The recently published Just Transition Business Case outlines the need for clear policy support, financial assistance, and structured guidance to help farmers move away from intensive industrial farming. Without these safeguards, both farmers and animals risk being left behind as agriculture faces mounting climate and economic challenges.

Read the Just Transition Business Case Summary

Lindsay Duncan, Campaigns Manager at World Animal Protection, said:

“This abrupt closure demonstrates a concerning lack of commitment to supporting farmers through the agricultural transition. Throughout history, agricultural shifts have often been forced, leaving farmers behind. Our recent Just Transition report shows that with the right support, farmers can improve animal welfare while enhancing environmental outcomes. But this requires consistent policy backing. The timing, manner, and lack of transparency in this decision leave innovative farmers in the lurch.”

With SFI applications now closed, there are currently no open ELM schemes available for farmers. This creates a dangerous policy vacuum, particularly for those looking to transition to higher-welfare, agroecological farming systems, with methods that benefit animals, people, and the planet. The closure not only stalls progress but also risks discouraging farmers from investing in sustainable practices altogether.

To ensure a fair and effective transition for UK farmers, World Animal Protection is calling on the government to urgently address the following:

1. Greater transparency from DEFRA, including clear expectations on available funding for future schemes.
2. A confirmed timeline for ELM scheme applications, allowing farmers to plan effectively.
3. An expansion of the Agroforestry grant scheme, to include livestock species beyond cattle—particularly recognising the benefits of silvopasture systems for pigs and poultry.
4. Proper valuation and rewards for ecosystem services, ensuring regenerative farming methods are financially viable.

“Our research with pioneering British farms shows that housing animals outdoors under trees can be transformative for animal health, farm economics, and climate goals,” Duncan added. “But these farmers need predictable support mechanisms to scale these approaches. The government must restore trust with farmers by ensuring the next spending review provides meaningful support for nature-friendly farming.”

The system needs to change to one that moves farmers away from intensive factory farming while ensuring better lives for animals, improved environmental outcomes, and long-term economic resilience for the agricultural sector.