SFI26, explained in plain English
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) for 2026. What it pays for, what proof to keep, and how to do it in the AgriSync app. Every page lists its gov.uk sources.
What is SFI26?
SFI26 is the 2026 offer of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Defra (the government's farming department) runs it. It pays farmers in England for work on their land. Examples are cover crops, hedge care and flower-rich margins. It has 71 actions. Agreements usually last 3 years. It is now closed to new applications.
Checked against gov.uk on 25 October 2026.
Read the full guide to SFI26Payments and actions
What SFI26 pays for, the rates, and which actions suit your land.
- SFI26 payment rates explained, with worked examplesWhere to find official SFI26 payment rates, rates for common actions, how a payment is worked out, the £100,000 cap, the 25% rule and when SFI26 pays.
- SFI26 actions for arable farms: what pays, and the rules that matterSFI26 actions for arable land with Defra's yearly rates: cover crops, no-till, legume fallow, precision farming, IPM, flower margins and winter bird food.
- SFI26 actions for grassland and livestock farms: rates and rulesSFI26 actions for grassland and livestock farms with Defra's yearly rates: low-input grassland, herbal leys, legumes, native breeds and moorland grazing.
- Hedgerows and buffer strips in SFI26: CHRW2, CAHL4 and the rules to recordWhat SFI26 pays for hedgerows (CHRW2), walls and banks, and buffer strips (CAHL4, CIGL3, BFS1, BFS6): rates, cutting rules, widths and evidence.
- SFI and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier: which is which, and can you have both?SFI26 and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier compared: who they're for, how to apply, agreement length, actions, and the rules for having both.
- SFI 2027: what we know so far (kept up to date)Will there be SFI in 2027, and when will it open? What Defra has said, what happened in SFI26, and what to do now. Checked against Defra's own posts.
Land, evidence and inspections
Your SBI and your fields on the RPA maps, the records to keep, and how the RPA checks them.
- What is an SBI number for farmers, and how do I get one?Your SBI is the RPA's Single Business Identifier for your farm business. What it's for, how it differs from a CRN, how to register and find yours.
- The Rural Payments service and land parcels explained: check your maps before SFIWhat a land parcel is, the difference between land covers and land use codes, how to ask the RPA to change your digital maps, and why it matters for SFI.
- SFI evidence: what records to keep, how longWhat evidence SFI26 asks you to keep, why it's at least 7 years, what makes a good photo as proof and how to file records field by field. With gov.uk sources.
- How to prepare for an RPA inspection (Sustainable Farming Incentive)How the RPA checks SFI26 agreements: farm visits, satellite and office checks. How much notice you get, what they can ask to see, and a checklist.
Do it in AgriSync
Step-by-step guides with the exact button names.
AgriSync tools for SFI
What each one does, with real screens.
- An SFI to-do list for every fieldAvailable nowSee what each field still needs before an inspection.
- Field photos as proofAvailable nowEach photo is dated and checked against its field.
- SFI payment finderAvailable nowRough yearly SFI26 payments for each field.
- Audit PDF in one clickAvailable nowDownload your farm's checks and photos as one PDF.
- Your fields from your SBIAvailable nowBring in your fields from the RPA. No drawing needed.
Get your farm ready for SFI26
Free during early access. Start on your own, or we'll phone you and set up your fields with you.