Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Farmers across the South West have been left frustrated after a £253m government farming support scheme ran out of money within hours of opening for applications.
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is intended to support farmers who take action to improve nature, soil and other public goods as part of the system introduced to replace the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy following Brexit.
But the latest application window closed after less than six hours, after the available funding was allocated.
The Wildlife Trust’s strategic lead for agriculture compared the rush for funding to the scramble for Oasis concert tickets.
The problems have prompted criticism from farming representatives and political figures in Devon, with concerns raised about the pressure placed on farmers already dealing with rising costs, changing support arrangements and difficult weather conditions.
Cllr Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council’s cabin…
