Soil Association says backing is essential for the sector to grow
England’s organic farming sector is “holding its breath” as it awaits a government announcement around the reinstatement of Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) support, according to the Soil Association.
The government is expected to announce details around the revised SFI scheme during a speech at the NFU conference on 24 February. The scheme is set to reopen this summer after its abrupt closure in March last year.
Since that closure, the government has not yet renewed its commitment to supporting organic farming in recognition of the environmental benefits it delivers, the organic body said.
Soil Association policy director Brendan Costelloe said: “When the SFI abruptly closed last year, all farmers who were making nature-friendly plans were left feeling frustrated and betrayed. We heard from farmers who put their plans on hold, including many of those who had plans to go organic.
”More than a year on, the organic sector is holding its breath as it continues to wait for a renewed commitment from government. By avoiding harmful, fossil-fuel based pesticides and fertilisers, organic farmers work with nature to deliver key benefits to society that must be recognised.
”This is essential as the care taken by organic farmers can mean they face higher costs. There is a lot of nervousness that the government will recklessly pull the rug out on this support.”
Organic ‘makes up just one per cent of SFI spend’
It is hoped that the announcement will provide details on the new SFI, with the Soil Association stating that government is expected to signal a revised set of support options, which is set to consist of a smaller list than the previous scheme.
A review by the Soil Association of recent figures indicates that spend on organic made up just over one per cent of SFI expenditure between October 2024 and October 2025.
This, the Soil Association claims, is value for money as it delivers proven environmental benefits across entire farms, rather than smaller actions. It also reduces the government’s administrative burden by being backed by a rigorous certification process, and a legally defined set of standards.
Costelloe added: “Removal of ongoing support for organic farmers could potentially risk undermining a system that is proven to boost biodiversity and farm resilience with healthier soils that are more tolerant to flooding and drought. It would also leave the booming market for organic increasingly dependent on imports from the EU, and English organic farmers at a disadvantage to those in Scotland and Wales where support is offered.
”If the government is serious about supporting profitable, nature-friendly farming and meeting the UK’s environmental obligations, it is vital it backs organic as one of the strongest tools we have. This is a key opportunity for England to catch up in the race to deliver a truly sustainable farming system.”
After an outcry from farmers when the SFI closed last year, the government removed the five-hectare restriction that stopped smaller farmers from accessing the scheme previously, and the Soil Association has urged the government not to reverse that decision.
“A reintroduction of the five-hectare threshold risks excluding productive small farms including nature-friendly fruit and veg growers who deliver huge benefits to society,” Costelloe added.
”Small-scale farms, particularly agroecological horticulture, are highly productive and provide us with produce that is both sustainable and essential for a healthy diet. We must ensure these growers are not left behind.”
The Soil Association also hopes to see support reintroduced for farmers who follow approaches that minimise or avoid pesticides and synthetic fertiliser use; prioritise good soil health; take a whole-farm approach to working with nature, helping to create habitats; deliver high animal welfare; and incorporate trees into the farming system via agroforestry.
