ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã

Organic farmers 'better off' under SFI and CS

The chief executive of Organic ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã & Growers believed organic growers could receive up to a 50 per cent increase compared to historic BPS rates

Rachael Brown
clock • 1 min read
Organic farmers 'better off' under SFI and CS

The chief executive of Organic ÍæÅ¼½ã½ã & Growers (OF&G) said there were ‘easy win financial benefits' for organic farmers when it comes to future farming payments.

Roger Kerr believed organic licensees could capitalise on the opportunities available to them by stacking Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) payments on top of Countryside Stewardship (CS) agreements, and added organic farmers could receive 'up to a 50 per cent increase compared to historic BPS rates.'

Organic farming

A study calculated on two farm case studies, one predominantly arable, the other mostly livestock, of 210 hectares showed the income comparison between old BPS and the combined CS and SFI payments.

It revealed an increase from £48,510 to £68,671 for the livestock farm. On the arable farm rates rose even more, from £48,510 to £73,061, which equated to a 50.6 per cent increase.

Read also: Organic farming aims for 25% of the market

Norfolk farm manager wins organic grower of the year

Organic farming has delivered on biodiversity and carbon for decades, says OF&G boss

OF&G anticipated a 'significant divergence in the way English farms are managed' following the roll out of Defra's environmental policies. 

"There will be many farmers both organic and non-organic who will wholeheartedly embrace the new schemes and their approach, while others will reject the environmental principles and go all out for increased yield by foregoing the schemes," Mr Kerr said. 

2014 Used Massey 7626 7.4L SISU 240hp

£±Ê°¿´¡

Used Deutz Fahr 6155PS

£±Ê°¿´¡

New Kubota M4-073

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Farm Business

NFU launches 10-year vision for the beef sector to help build confidence

NFU launches 10-year vision for the beef sector to help build confidence

NFU livestock board chair David Barton said with investment from the Government and the entire supply chain, the beef sector could meet 'growing global demand, while aligning with climate and environment ambitions'

Rachael Brown
clock 16 April 2025 • 2 min read
Gov announces £46m for innovative ag tech

Gov announces £46m for innovative ag tech

New funding will look at ways to reduce emissions and develop precision breeding

clock 16 April 2025 • 2 min read
Change is needed to ensure farm assurance fit for the 'modern farming environment', says NFU chief

Change is needed to ensure farm assurance fit for the 'modern farming environment', says NFU chief

The NFU responds to the UK Farm Assurance Review recommendations

Rachael Brown
clock 15 April 2025 • 4 min read