25% cap to be put on some SFI non-crop land use options

Today (25th March) the government has announced an intention to cap six ‘non-crop’ land use options at 25% of an applicant’s land area.

This is in response to such options being used on large areas (or even whole farms) and thereby compromising food production security, which is also a stated government objective.

The six options are:

• Flower-rich grass margins   

• Pollen and nectar flower mix   

• Winter bird food on arable and horticultural land   

• Grassy field corners and blocks   

• Improved grassland field corners or blocks out of management   

• Winter bird food on improved grassland.   

Defra have given a timetable for the introduction of this and applications submitted on or after 26th March will have the caps announced on 25th March applied to them.

Full details at

Government ensures food production remains primary purpose of farming - GOV.UK