Conservative MP and Shadow Environment Secretary demand answers over botched farming scheme rollout
A senior Conservative MP and the Shadow Environment Secretary have written to the Environment Secretary demanding explanations for the chaotic launch of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) scheme, which ran out of funds within hours.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive 26, a post-Brexit program meant to reward farmers for environmental stewardship, opened for applications last week and was completely allocated within six hours, causing widespread disappointment among the agricultural community. Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, joined Shadow Environment Secretary Victoria Atkins in a publicly released letter to Environment Secretary Angela Eagle, demanding clarification on the scheme's handling.
The correspondence highlighted a series of issues, including the sudden termination of the earlier SFI24, the elimination of the Basic Payment Scheme, and the disruptive events of September 22, describing the process as demeaning and disastrous for farmers. Applicants reported extensive preparation time and technical glitches, only to be shut out by the rapid closure. The government has pledged that farmers will be able to apply for the funding in the following year. Hollinrake emphasized the need for certainty and a functional system to avoid further frustration for the farming sector.
Why it matters
The failed rollout leaves thousands of farmers without promised support, highlighting flaws in government policy implementation.
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