United Kingdom Organic farmers pleased with Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 (SFI)

OF&G (Organic Farmers & Growers) has welcomed Defra’s development of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2023 (SFI) and the flexibility the expanded remit offers to organic farmers.

As a leading UK organic certification body, OF&G has campaigned for agricultural policy to reflect the benefits that organic’s whole system approach delivers in producing food sustainably while improving the environment.

Defra’s 150-page SFI handbook was published alongside a dedicated organic leaflet, outlining the payments available under the new scheme. This acknowledgement of the organic sector’s environmental contribution has been applauded by OF&G chief executive Roger Kerr.

Roger Kerr:
 

"We’re finally seeing some concrete progress and clarity within SFI that recognises the value of the public goods, many of which are consistently delivered by organic licensees."

"Considering the ambitions to reach net zero by 2050, organic offers an immediate and accessible pathway. The SFI gives farmers a robust platform from which to look forward and project how change, if handled in the right way, can deliver against the targets in the Environment Act and Environmental Improvement Plan."

OF&G has identified some inconsistencies in payment rates for organic farm businesses and those considering organic conversion and calls for more analysis on which options are ‘stackable’ or ‘mutually exclusive’. Overall, the organisation remains positive that these issues can be resolved.

Roger Kerr:
 

"The SFI opens the door to simultaneously deliver resilient food production while protecting and enhancing our natural environment. Both measures are essential if we are to continue to feed the UK population over the next century."

"This policy does however represent a significant change for everyone working in the agricultural sector, and it is essential that farmers are fully supported during the transition."

"In delivering the SFI and its wide-ranging package of options, the Government is supporting many of the practises undertaken by organic farmers."

"This represents a clear direction of travel that should be celebrated. We will continue to work with policymakers and stakeholders to ensure organic farmers can fully capitalise on this opportunity."