Sustainable Farming Incentive - Changes announced by Defra
Defra has been reviewing the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) to ensure that the scheme is effective and not used too heavily across the farming industry, in a way that compromises the environment, food production and food security. Nevertheless, important features of SFI are the flexibility and freedom of choice in the options available.
Defra, however, is concerned about the amount of land being taken out of food production. With economic instability and challenging weather conditions, it is thought that this may become a greater issue in the future.
As a result, a limit is being imposed, whereby no more than 25% of a farm’s total land holding can be put in six of the nine options presented in the SFI.
The 6 limited options are:
Take improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management - IGL1 Winter bird food on improved grassland - IGL2 Pollen and nectar flower mix - AHL1 Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land - AHL2 Grassy field corners and blocks - AHL3 Flower-rich grass margins, blocks, or in-field strips – IPM2
With a cap on the above six options, at a total of 25% of the landholding, Defra believes this to be the right balance. Taking more land out of production is unlikely to benefit food production or the environment.
For advice on any rural property matters, contact Richard Greasby - Head of Butler Sherborn Rural - on 01285 883740 or richard@butlersherborn.co.uk
Snowdrops in the Cotswolds: A Winter Highlight at Painswick
As winter begins to loosen its grip on the Cotswolds, one of the most uplifting signs of the changing seasons quietly emerges, snowdrops. These delicate white flowers, often pushing through frost-hardened ground, bring a sense of hope and renewal, and nowhere is this more beautifully displayed than the snowdrops at Painswick Rococo Garden.
Snowdrops in the Cotswolds: A Winter Highlight at Painswick
Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief
This has been a hot topic since the surprise announcements in the Autumn budget of 2024 and has threatened to turn upside down tax planning for farmers and the affordability of succession. The short article below captures the key facts and implications which have been debated from farmhouse kitchen tables up to the Government in Westminster and at every level in between…
Inheritance Tax and Agricultural Property Relief
A Very Happy New Year
Happy New Year! We are all back and fully underway into 2026. It is early days, but properties are already going under offer across all our offices and exchanges are securing homes for excited new owners.
A Very Happy New Year
The New Year Reset: The Cotswolds’ Most Luxurious Spas
If the start of the year calls for rest, renewal and a little indulgence, the Cotswolds delivers in spades. Coupled with rural tranquillity, these havens of relaxation and award-winning spas, are the region’s most restorative places to switch off and reset.
The New Year Reset: The Cotswolds’ Most Luxurious Spas
