Emergency Podcast: Defra pulls plug on Sustainable Farming Incentive

In this emergency episode, we examine the implications of Defra's decision to stop accepting applications for its flagship agri-environment scheme.

The shock announcement to draw a line under the Sustainable Farming Incentive was announced at 6pm Tuesday, 11 March.

Defra gave farmers no notice of the decision, which came into effect with immediate effect, leaving would-be applicants high and dry.

We look at the reasons for the announcement – and where it leaves farmers and farm businesses across England.

With thanks to special guests:

• Martin Lines, chairman of the Nature Friendly Farming Network
• Jamie Burrows, chairman of the NFU combinable crops board
• Ed Hutley, partner with farm business consultants Ceres Rural

This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom.

Contact or follow Johann (X): @johanntasker

Contact or follow Louise (X): @louisearable

Contact or follow (X): @sondesplacefarm

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To contact the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email podcast@fwi.co.uk. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0.