Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department made before 22 September 2026 of the likelihood that Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 Window 2 would close on its opening day; whether she plans to introduce a minimum application period for the 2027 scheme; and whether funding will continue to be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Demand for SFI26 Window 2 exceeded the available funding. The Government plans to offer SFI in 2027, in keeping with the Farming Roadmap 2050. Defra is exploring future application arrangements and alternatives to a first-come, first-served application process for SFI in 2027. Detailed scheme arrangements and timings will be published once design and delivery planning have been completed.