SFI26: Window 2

SFI26 Window 2 is due to open in September.  Defra has not given an opening date as yet, but experience from the current Capital Grants scheme suggests when it does open, the money will go quickly and it won’t be open for long.

Window 2 will be available to all farmers and land managers who have an SBI at the point of application (not 1st January 2026 as was the case under Window 1), with at least 3ha of eligible agricultural land linked to it.  It will also be available to ‘soon-to-expire’ ELM agreement holders – historically, it has not been possible to make an application until an existing agreement had finished, where that land is already tied into specific actions.   But for SFI26 Window 2, Defra has said it is developing new functionality to allow this.  This means existing Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue agreement holders with agreements due to expire on or before 28th February 2027 can apply as soon as SFI26 Window 2 opens, including land still in a ‘soon-to-expire’ agreement.  The new agreement will commence after the existing agreement ends.

Window 2 has £180m allocated to it plus any unallocated funds from Window 1. Defra will also publish updates when approximately 25%, 50% and 75% of the Window 2 budget has been allocated.

Those requiring help with an application are strongly encouraged to make contact as soon as possible.  Early discussions will allow us to assess your eligibility, confirm that your proposed project meets the scheme requirements, and ensure that the necessary information is in place so that your application can be submitted promptly when the Window opens.  Please contact one of our consultants  or email via [email protected]

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