Published: 08/01/2026 By Phoebe Wreford-Glanvill
Following Emma Reynolds’ announcement at the Oxford Farming Conference today (8th January 2026), DEFRA has confirmed that the 2026 Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) will operate with two separate application windows. The first window will open in June 2026 for smaller farms and those without existing scheme agreements, with a second, broader window opening in September 2026 for all other farms.While this provides more clarity than we have seen in recent times, there is still uncertainty around scheme details, payment rates, and potential caps. As experience has shown, application windows can open and close quickly, and preparation remains one of the most valuable strategies farmers and land managers can adopt.
Phoebe Wreford-Glanvill, an experienced Agricultural Consultant who joined Symonds & Sampson last year, specialises in Rural Grants and suggests that being prepared is now one of the most valuable strategies you can adopt.
Below are her six ‘top tips’ to help you get ahead for 2026.
1. Hold an early review meeting
Now is the time to map out your preferred approach for 2026, particularly in light of the staggered SFI application windows. Understanding whether your business is likely to fall into the June or September window will help prioritise actions and manage expectations.
Having schemes, land parcels, and priorities discussed and agreed in advance means you can move quickly once applications open. As seen in previous years, DEFRA may still adjust timelines or restrict access at short notice. Early discussions can also uncover alternative funding opportunities. For example, in the past two months alone, Symonds & Sampson has secured almost £30,000 of funding for farmers through the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) scheme for hedging, trees, and fencing, enabling boundary works to be completed sooner rather than waiting for Capital Grants to reopen in 2026.
2. Start preparing for Capital Grants now
Based on historic grant items, consider what your holding is likely to need and begin administrative preparation early. This may include fencing, hedging, or infrastructure works. Getting maps and draft applications prepared in advance (such as boundary feature plans) will put you in a strong position to submit quickly when Capital Grant windows open.
3. Check and update your RPA information
Ensure all land use, boundaries, and holding links are correct on your RPA account. These updates can take several months for the RPA to process and may prevent you from applying for funding if land is not registered correctly. This is one area where delays are entirely avoidable - getting it sorted now reduces the risk of missing out later.
4. Model schemes with and without caps
Recent years have shown that funding caps can be introduced at short notice. For example, there was a £9,300 cap on new SFI applications in summer 2025 and a £35,000 boundary cap for Capital boundary items. Working with your advisor to model options both with and without caps will help you understand the financial implications under different scenarios and avoid surprises.
5. Don't miss declarations and deadlines
Missing SFI or Countryside Stewardship annual declarations, or Capital Grant claim deadlines, can be an expensive mistake and may result in payment reductions or losses. Make sure these deadlines are clearly diarised. If time is limited, consider asking your advisor to manage this on your behalf.
6. Consider cashflow implications
With SFI application windows not opening until June and September 2026, grant income will not be received until later in the year. This may create a funding gap for businesses coming out of existing agreements or relying on environmental payments as part of their annual cashflow. It is important to factor this delay into working capital and cashflow planning, particularly where environmental income supports routine costs, to avoid unnecessary pressure on the business.
In an environment where certainty remains limited, preparation is your strongest asset. Taking proactive steps now will ensure you are well placed to act when the 2026 SFI and other environmental funding opportunities open.
If you would like support with your environmental scheme application process, or to discuss other available funding opportunities, please contact Phoebe on 01305 236237, or our Rural Grants experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
Rural Grants
Rural Professional Services