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Farmers Embrace Sustainable Practices, Await Clarity on Government Incentives
10 Nov
Summary
- Farmers adopt eco-friendly methods like strip tillage and reduced nitrogen use
- Wildlife habitats enhanced through wildflower corners and pollinator zones
- Uncertainty over future of government's Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme
As of November 10th, 2025, Cambridgeshire farmers Mat and Lloyd have been leading the charge in sustainable agriculture, transforming their 198-hectare arable farm into a thriving ecosystem for various species of birds, bees, butterflies, and insects.
The brothers credit much of their success to the government-funded Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which has provided crucial support since its launch in 2022. Their farming methods have included adopting strip tillage, inter-row hoeing, and cutting nitrogen use by a third, while also enhancing wildlife habitats through wildflower corners and pollinator zones.
However, the future of the SFI remains unclear, which is a significant concern for the farmers. Mat Smith, who also represents the National Farmers Union (NFU) in Cambridgeshire, warns that without this support, many farmers will have to focus solely on ensuring their business survives, potentially undoing the progress made in environmental conservation.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has stated that a "reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive offer" is in the works, but the details and timeline remain uncertain. As the farming community navigates this challenging period, the success of farms like Mat and Lloyd's serves as a testament to the potential of sustainable agriculture to benefit both the environment and the livelihoods of British farmers.
