Today at the Oxford Farming Conference, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds set out the direction for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 2026 offer — giving farmers the clarity they’ve been waiting for. That clarity matters because SFI 2026 rewards prepared farms, and preparation is about one thing: good evidence built over time, not rushed at inspection.
Government ministers confirmed that 2026 will have two application windows — the first opening in June and prioritising smaller farms and those without existing agreements, followed by a second round in September for wider access. Smaller farms will be given first access before larger farms can apply. This reflects a wider policy shift to level the playing field after limited funding and abrupt closures in the past. GOV.UK+1
In today’s announcements, there were strong messages that farmers need clear budgets, clear timelines and a clear roadmap so they can plan ahead — because probably fine is not a compliance strategy when inspectors come knocking. Global Agriculture
Below we answer the key questions farmers are asking us for right now and explain how JustFarm helps you be ready — with planning tools, compliance evidence capture and inspection-ready reporting.
When will SFI 2026 open?
Answer:
The government has confirmed two application windows in 2026:
- First window from June, prioritising smaller farms and those without existing agreements
- Second window in September for wider applications including larger farms GOV.UK
This two-stage opening is designed so that smaller farms get first access, rather than everything being taken up quickly by the largest businesses with the fastest applications. CLA
How JustFarm helps:
With JustFarm’s planner you can prepare your entire SFI plan well before June. The planner scans your land and matches eligible actions instantly, so you aren’t stuck trying to work out eligibility under pressure.
What does “small farm” mean under SFI 2026?
Answer:
When JustFarm’s founder James asked Emma Reynolds directly what counts as a small farm, there was no formal definition announced yet, but the suggestion on the day was that it could be around 50ha or less as a general threshold. That is not official guidance yet, but it reflects the intent to prioritise smaller holdings in June.
Official confirmation will come later with full scheme details.
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm lets you segment your land by area so you can see where you sit relative to suggested thresholds. Whether you’re under 50ha or above, we make it easy to plan the right mix of actions across all parcels.
What’s different about SFI 2026 compared with the last offer?
Answer:
Emma Reynolds acknowledged that SFI became too complex and unpredictable, with the unexpected closure last year damaging trust. The new approach promises:
- Simplification of the scheme — fewer actions, less complexity
- Predictable delivery and clearer timing
- Limits on land area for certain actions so funding stretches further
- Support mechanisms like the Farmer Collaboration Fund to help groups and new entrants grow their businesses. Farmers Guide
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm’s update planner reflects these emerging priorities by mapping only eligible actions, showing restricted areas, and letting you compare action choices side by side — so you’re planning with what will likely be accepted, not hoping it might be.
Why prioritising small farms matters for SFI 2026
Answer:
Historically, many smaller farms struggled with the speed, complexity and funding limits of previous rounds, often dominated by larger, better-resourced businesses. Prioritising smaller farms means:
- more equitable access
- better spread of environmental outcomes
- more farms able to participate productively TIme News
While we wait for official definition, feedback suggests farms around 50ha could be at the centre of this first window.
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm’s planner shows your farm’s total area, highlighting where actions make most sense, so you can prioritise planning and not leave your place on the starting line when June opens.
What happens if a farm is not ready when SFI opens?
Answer:
Funding for SFI is limited and accepted on a first-come basis during each window. Last time the scheme closed unexpectedly after limited funds were taken, leaving many farmers unable to apply. Fe-rn
That means getting ready early matters — and success in SFI 2026 will go to farms that have plans complete before the window opens.
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm’s planner lets you build or import your whole SFI plan, check eligibility across fields, and be ready to submit on the first day. It removes guesswork and gives you confidence you are submitting the strongest possible plan.
What evidence will RPA inspectors expect?
Answer:
One of the clearest themes from conferences and farmers is that RPA inspections rely on evidence, not memory. Inspectors want to see: maps, field operation logs, dated photos, invoices and consistent records showing that actions have been delivered to achieve their aim. A single photo is not enough proof. Multiple pieces of credible evidence, linked logically to land parcels and actions, are needed for a compliance decision. CLA
This is why good evidence is built over time, not rushed at inspection.
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm captures your evidence as you work: photos, dates, GPS tags, field logs and documents are all stored in one place and linked to specific actions and parcels. When you’re asked for proof, you have a full, organised record — not a memory or a folder of random photos.
What should farmers be doing now for SFI 2026?
Answer:
Here are the priority preparation steps farmers should be doing ahead of June:
- Map your farm accurately and confirm boundaries
- Plan SFI actions based on eligibility and your objectives
- Start capturing evidence now, photos, logs, invoices, in a structured system
- Get ahead of inspection readiness by linking evidence to fields and actions
- Practice exporting an evidence pack so you know what inspectors want to see
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm makes all these steps clear and easy:
- Planner gives instant action suggestions
- Evidence capture in the field
- Dashboard showing compliance gaps
- Exportable, inspection-ready reports
This means you build evidence steadily, not at the last minute.
Why SFI 2026 rewards prepared farms
Answer:
With limited funding, two application windows, and a clear push for predictable delivery, farms that are ready early will benefit most. That means having:
- a clear plan
- eligibility verified across parcels
- evidence already organised
- confidence that your actions are defensible at inspection
SFI and CS actions feel tangible… until someone asks for proof. If that proof is absent or scattered, inspectors default to doubt. That’s why prepared farms are rewarded, not hopeful ones.
How JustFarm helps:
JustFarm turns your daily farm activity into structured evidence and helps you plan your SFI strategy long before deadlines. It lets you focus on farming, not paperwork.
Final thoughts
SFI 2026 will reward farms that are ready early, organised and confident in their evidence. Probably fine is not a compliance strategy and if you can’t prove it, it did not happen is the reality inspectors live by.
JustFarm helps you plan ahead, capture evidence as you work, and prepare for inspection and application windows that matter. With June and September approaching, now is the time to get organised.
