Post Brexit subsidies closure wrongly blocks 3000 farmers from funding

The government has admitted to mishandling the closure of a crucial post-Brexit farming subsidy scheme, leaving 3,000 farmers in England unable to access promised funds. This revelation has sparked significant anger within the farming community, particularly after a sudden pause in payments left many land managers uncertain about their financial futures.

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), which replaced the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy, aims to reward farmers for improving soil health, protecting natural habitats, and managing land responsibly. It is a vital income source for numerous farms across the country. However, controversy erupted when farmers who applied for the SFI funding were told via a government website message that they would receive six weeks’ notice if the programme were to close. Despite these assurances, the scheme was abruptly halted without warning.

The National Farmers’ Union lodged a legal complaint against the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), arguing that the sudden closure was unlawful. Following the complaint, Farming Minister Daniel Zeichner announced to Parliament that the decision to shut down the SFI 2024 programme was reconsidered. He acknowledged the error and pledged to reopen funding applications for the 3,000 affected farmers.

According to Defra, the government will ensure those impacted are given another opportunity to apply for support. A spokesperson stated that they are taking responsibility for the situation and apologising to the farmers involved. Discussions are also underway to launch a revised version of the SFI scheme following the June spending review. Reports suggest the new iteration may exclude the wealthiest farmers in an effort to deliver better value for money.

Farmers have faced notable pressures under the Labour administration, compounded by a recent inheritance tax imposed on agricultural businesses. Critics claim this additional tax burden could hinder the ability of farmers to pass their businesses on to the next generation. The combination of policies has left some in the farming community feeling besieged.

This development highlights the broader challenges of implementing sustainable agricultural practices while balancing economic stability within the sector. The reopening of the scheme offers some relief for affected farmers, but uncertainty remains over the future structure and inclusivity of the SFI programme.