Latest Updates to SFI 2024

In this episode we'll be discussing the introduction of the combined Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) and Countryside Stewardship mid-tier schemes.

Specifically, we’ll cover what this means for farmers, growers, and their businesses, and how precision farming and digital tools can help meet the schemes' requirements.

The Spring Rush and SFI Options

How important has SFI been for farmers this spring, especially following the tough autumn we had?

Alex Olivant:
It’s safe to say it's been quite busy! Many farmers couldn’t get their spring crops in as planned, or they had winter crops fail, which created spring cropping opportunities.

The SFI has been a useful option for those farmers, offering a lower-risk payment. We’ve seen a lot of applications from farmers trying to slot something in so they can get paid for something this year. They're also looking at reducing the area for future flexibility with rotational options.

How has the spring been for you at RHIZA? What types of enquiries have you been getting regarding SFI?

Dan Wood:
It’s been incredibly busy with soil sampling enquiries. Many farmers who haven’t had recent samples needed updated soil and organic matter results. Thankfully, the labs are now catching up with demand after a bit of a delay earlier in the year.

SFI 2024: Changes and Updates

  
Walk us through some of the changes that are happening with the new SFI schemes.

Alex Olivant:  
Of course. SFI is now known as SFI 2024, following the 2022 and 2023 iterations. The new scheme has 102 actions.

While that sounds overwhelming, 22 actions are carried over from the previous year with some rule tweaks.

Fifty-seven actions come from Countryside Stewardship, and there are 23 new actions. These new actions are what’s generating excitement, as they offer new opportunities for farmers.

And when you say "actions," what exactly do you mean?

Alex Olivant:  
In the past, mid-tier schemes had "options," but the government has shifted the terminology to "actions" for SFI 2024.

There’s more flexibility in achieving the goals of these actions, but they've also introduced "musts," which are non-negotiable management requirements around species timings and other details.

For example, there are stricter guidelines now for winter cover cropping and the legume fallow option, which must stay in place for three years if chosen.

Key Changes in SFI 2024

What are some of the significant changes farmers should be aware of?

Alex Olivant:  
One major change is the restriction on rotational options. Where previously farmers could use certain options for just one year as part of their rotation, these now need to stay in place for the full three years.

This includes the legume fallow option and herbal leys, among others. The winter bird food option is also now required to flower before the end of June in the first year, otherwise it will need to stay in place for two years.

Dan Wood:  
From my side, another big change is the introduction of more detailed precision farming actions. For example, the new PR1 action involves variable rate applications based on zoned soil analysis.

This adds complexity but also opens up opportunities for farmers who have invested in precision farming technology.

The Role of Precision Farming

How crucial is precision farming technology in helping farmers meet the requirements of these new schemes?

Dan Wood:
Precision farming plays a key role, especially with actions like PR1, which focuses on variable rate nutrient applications.

Farms need to be pre-programmed for variable applications—it’s not enough to manually adjust equipment.

For example, we’re helping farmers zone their fields based on soil type and texture, and then creating nutrient application plans specific to those zones.

Managing and Recording Farm Data

How important is data management for these schemes?

Alex Olivant:  
It’s vital. All actions need to be evidence-based, and having a platform to record data makes it easier to comply with the schemes.

Farmers can store records of actions taken, such as no insecticides used, nutrient plans, and even photos of their fields. This ensures that during any "friendly visits" (formerly known as inspections), they can easily present the necessary evidence.

Is there any particular technology that’s helping with this?

Dan Wood:
Yes, using apps like Contour, farmers can drop pins and upload photos and documents directly onto their field maps. This can be anything from a photo of wildflower seeds being sown to a report from a soil sample. All of this helps create a clear audit trail.

New Opportunities: No-Till Farming and Precision Spraying

Let’s talk about some of the exciting new actions in SFI 2024. Alex, what’s generating the most interest?

Alex Olivant:  
Farmers are particularly excited about the no-till option, coded SOH1, and the variable rate application of nutrients, coded PR1.

There’s also the new F2 action for camera-guided herbicide spraying, which uses precision technology to target specific areas in the field.

Dan Wood:  
Yes, precision farming is really advancing. The camera-guided systems are proving particularly popular, as farmers can reduce herbicide use by targeting only where it’s needed.

We’re seeing a lot of investment in this technology, especially among contractors.

Summary of Key Changes in SFI 2024

• New Terminology: "Actions" replace "options"
• Rotational Restrictions: Some actions, like legume fallow and herbal leys, now require a three-year commitment
• Winter Cover Cropping: New rules require crops to be between two cash crops and cannot be taken to harvest
• New Precision Farming Actions: These include variable rate nutrient applications and camera-guided herbicide spraying

It’s clear that precision farming and digital tools will play a huge role in helping farmers meet the new SFI requirements.

To find out how SFI can work for your business, speak to your local environmental advisor or RHIZA crop input specialist. You can find their contact details on the Agrii website.

You can find their contact details on the Agri website at [agri.co.uk/contact](https://agri.co.uk/contact).

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