GovWire

How to apply for an SFI agreement

Youll apply for an SFI agreement online in the Rural Payments service. After youve created a new SFI application, you have 60 days to complete and submit it. This is to make sure that your data is current and accurate. If you have not submitted your application after 60 days, we will withdraw it. If this happens, you will need to start a new application.

You must apply for a separate SFI agreement for common land or an area of shared grazing. Read the information about eligibility of commons and shared grazing for an SFI agreement

If youre interested in applying for SFI this year on common land,please email RPA atruralpayments@defra.gov.uk with SFI 2023 Commons/Shared Grazing Agreements in your subject line. We will help you prepare to apply, including providing access to commons maps.

Read the SFI Handbook for the SFI 2023 offer to help you make your application online.

If you cannot apply online because you do not have access to the internet or a computer, call us on 03000 200 301 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm, except bank holidays) and well help you.

What happens after youve applied

After youve submitted your application for an SFI agreement, well process it. If its eligible, youll be offered an SFI agreement in the Rural Payments service. Well tell you when your SFI agreement offer is ready for you to check. Once youve accepted your agreement, it will normally start the following month.