SFI26 Window 1 Expected to Open on 30 June 2026

Defra has confirmed today that the expected opening date for SFI26 ‘Window 1’ will be 30 June 2026. This is for small farms (up to 50 hectares) and farms without an existing ELM revenue agreement, Window 2 will open from September 2026 for all farmers and land managers.

Before Window 1 opens, a small number of eligible farmers will be invited to apply from around 18 June. This is to test and refine the application service in a controlled way, to make sure it’s working as expected before full rollout.

The SFI26 scheme information published today https://bit.ly/43OlUwl includes near final versions of terms and conditions which apply to all SFI26 agreements, the scheme rules, requirements for each SFI26 action and general guidance.

Please remember that the key to a successful application is early preparation, it is essential that:

• Eligibility is checked.
• Land details, contact details and permissions are correct.
• Digital maps show the correct information for the land parcels to be included in the application.

If you are unsure about any details of a potential application, please contact your local advisor or one of the team below as soon as possible:

Megan Rogers (Kettering) on 07747 625716
Maisie Evans (Shrewsbury) on 07825 082540
Tom Harris (Towcester) on 07747 567910
Sarah Meredith (Hereford) on 07799 902948