The Labour government has delivered another hammer blow to British farmers by shutting down new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme. There was no warning, transition, or real plan for what came next—just more uncertainty for those who put food on our tables.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has rightly called this a "shattering blow to English farms." For many, it's not just about environmental funding—it's about survival.
Labour's Broken Promise to Farmers
Labour said they would stand by sustainable farming. Instead, their first significant decision has slammed the door on thousands of farmers planning their future around the scheme.
The SFI was a core part of the post-Brexit payment system. It offered financial support for farmers who managed their land responsibly, such as restoring hedgerows, protecting soil, and boosting wildlife habitats. It was designed to replace EU subsidies with a model that rewarded British farmers for delivering "public goods." Now, it's gone.
Some key facts:
SFI had over 37,000 funding agreements in place.
Over £1 billion had already been paid out or committed.
More than half of England's farmed land was covered by these schemes.
Farmers planning to apply for future rounds have been left with nothing.
Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, made it clear: "This sudden closure forces farmers to decide whether to abandon environmental work and just farm as hard as they can to survive."
Farmers Left in Financial Limbo
For many, this isn't just about policy—it's about real money, investment, and livelihoods at risk. Anna Biesty, an organic arable farmer in North Norfolk, was banking on SFI funding. The scheme's closure leaves her with a £140,000 shortfall.
Her frustration is evident:
"You spend time making plans based on the best information, but now that plan is pointless. It's a waste of time, and that must be multiplied all around the country."
Anna is not alone. Farmers across Lincolnshire and beyond are now facing crippling financial uncertainty. Many were encouraged by the government to sign up, adapt their business models, and integrate sustainable practices—only to have the rug pulled out from under them.
Labour's Green Hypocrisy: Punishing Farmers While Claiming to Back Net Zero
The Labour government claims it wants to support sustainable farming and nature recovery. But the reality is apparent: this decision harms the environment, agriculture, and food security.
Farming is a long-term industry—farmers plan for years ahead, not months. When a government shifts the goalposts without warning, it destroys trust.
Environmental work costs money. The SFI helped farmers protect wildlife and soil quality. Without it, many will return to more intensive farming to survive.
Labour says it has set the "biggest budget for sustainable food production"—but if that's true, why has the largest green farming scheme just been shut down?
Victoria Vyvyan, president of the Country Land and Business Association, called this "the most cruel betrayal." She's right. This government is punishing farmers and landowners for trying to do the right thing.
What Happens Next? More Uncertainty, Less Food Security
Labour has promised a "new and improved" SFI but hasn't given a timeline. That means farmers have to wait while their incomes are cut.
This isn't just about the countryside but our national food security.
With war raging in Europe, Britain must produce more food, not pushing farmers out of business.
If we make farming unprofitable, we import more food from abroad—often from countries with lower environmental standards.
Less domestic production means higher food prices for British families—just as inflation and the cost-of-living crisis hit hardest.
A Mayor Who Will Fight for Farmers
Farmers in Greater Lincolnshire deserve better. If elected as Mayor, I will fight for our agricultural industry every step of the way.
Here's what I will do:
✅ Demand full reinstatement of SFI funding. Rural Lincolnshire must not be left behind.
✅ No to Labour's Farm Inheritance Tax Grab. Families must be able to pass their farms on without fear of financial ruin.
✅ Investment in British food production. We cannot rely on imports while destroying our agriculture.
✅ Support for small and family-run farms. The government must stop tilting the playing field in favour of large landowners.
This fight is not just for farmers—it's for every British family that relies on affordable, high-quality food.
We Want to Hear from You
Are you a farmer impacted by the SFI closure? Do you have concerns about the future of agriculture under Labour? Could you share your experience with us?
📢 Email me at andrea.jenkyns@reformparty.uk
📢 Message us on social media with #SaveOurFarms
The government needs to hear your stories. If we don't fight back now, farming as we know it will be at risk.
Labour's decision isn't just reckless. It's a betrayal of our farmers, countryside, and future.
And I won't stand for it.
Comments