²ÝÁñÉçÇø

Organic farmers 'better off' under SFI and CS

The chief executive of Organic ²ÝÁñÉçÇø & Growers believed organic growers could receive up to a 50 per cent increase compared to historic BPS rates

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

The chief executive of Organic ²ÝÁñÉçÇø & 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. 

BNG NNH2O Carbon | National Sale | Informal

£±Ê°¿´¡

FARM LOANS & RE-MORTGAGES

£±Ê°¿´¡

Pennant Finance

£±Ê°¿´¡

More on Farm Business

How to tackle succession successfully

How to tackle succession successfully

The Budget has put succession planning in the spotlight, but how do you start the conversation?

clock 08 November 2024 • 3 min read
Agricultural Property Relief changes will impact land markets

Agricultural Property Relief changes will impact land markets

Farmland experts take a look at the effect Inheritance Tax changes could have

Alex Black
clock 08 November 2024 • 3 min read
Farm Business Innovation Show: Budget discussion highlights need to 'look at business structure and what is feasible'

Farm Business Innovation Show: Budget discussion highlights need to 'look at business structure and what is feasible'

Plan for the future but do not rush into any big decisions – that was the resounding message from a panel of experts discussing the Autumn Budget at the Farm Business Innovation Show, held at the NEC (November 6/7)

clock 06 November 2024 • 2 min read