SFI26 Window 1 Is Open — North West Farmers Need to Act Now
If you farm in the North West, this is one of the most important funding announcements of 2026 — and there’s a real risk of missing out if you wait too long.
The first application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26) is now open. This is the government’s flagship environmental land management scheme, paying farmers to take actions that benefit nature, soil health, and water quality — while supporting farm business resilience. northwestfundingradar
Act quickly — Window 1 has a limited budget
Window 1 is expected to remain open for around 2 months. However, if demand is particularly high and the £60 million available for this window is fully allocated, it may close sooner. Updates will be published when approximately 25%, 50% and 75% of the Window 1 budget has been allocated — but eligible farmers are encouraged to apply as early as possible. northwestfundingradar
In plain English — don’t wait. If enough farmers apply quickly the window could close before two months is up.
Who can apply in Window 1?
Window 1 is open to two groups — small farms, and farms without an existing ELM revenue agreement. You only need to be in one of the groups to apply. northwestfundingradar
If you currently hold an SFI23, Countryside Stewardship, or Higher Level Stewardship agreement you will need to wait for Window 2 — unless you are a small farm with an agreement expiring by February 2027, in which case specific arrangements apply.
What do you need before you apply?
Before you start an SFI26 application, check that your digital maps show all the land parcels you want to include in your application with the correct areas and land covers, and that you have at least 3 hectares of agricultural land linked to your Single Business Identifier — otherwise you won’t be able to start an application. northwestfundingradar
You’ll need to be registered with the Rural Payments Agency and have your Single Business Identifier ready.
What about Window 2?
Window 2 opens in September 2026 and will be open to all farmers and land managers registered with the Rural Payments Agency who have at least 3 hectares of eligible agricultural land. SFI26 has a total budget of £240 million — any funding not allocated through Window 1 will be available to applicants in Window 2. northwestfundingradar
If you miss Window 1 you are not locked out — but with £60 million potentially going quickly, early applications are strongly advisable.
Farmers with expiring existing agreements
New functionality will be available for Window 2 from September 2026 allowing farmers with agreements expiring by the end of February 2027 to apply early for SFI26 before their existing agreements expire. This applies to farmers with SFI23, Countryside Stewardship Mid Tier, Legacy CS Higher Tier, and Environmental Stewardship Higher Level Stewardship agreements. northwestfundingradar
Useful resources
Defra has published a full webinar recording, a how-to-apply video from the Rural Payments Agency, and an SFI cost benefit tool from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to help you calculate whether the scheme is right for your farm.
👉 Apply and find full guidance at: gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26
👉 Use the AHDB cost benefit calculator at: tools.ahdb.org.uk/SfiCalculator
Don’t miss the deadline — apply in Window 1 while funding remains
The NW Funding Radar will update this page as the Window 1 budget allocation is announced. Join our email list below to be notified immediately when further updates are published.
info@northwestfundingradar.co.uk
Related farming and rural funding:
- Farming & Rural Grants North West 2026 — full overview
- Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme — up to £3,500 for rural businesses
- National Lottery Community Fund — grants for rural community groups
🆕 Seasonal Worker Visa Extended to 2030 — Good News for North West Horticulture
The Seasonal Worker visa route has been extended until at least 2030, providing greater certainty for farms relying on seasonal labour. This is particularly relevant for soft fruit, vegetable, and flower growers across Lancashire and Cheshire who depend on seasonal workers each year.
Full details at gov.uk/seasonal-worker-visa