Understand
Great Massingham farmer expresses concern as government green farming fund closes in hours
Overview
A Norfolk farmer missed out on up to £100,000 from the government's Sustainable Farming Initiative after the funding window closed in less than six hours. The Country Land and Business Association warned that many unsuccessful farmers may now have to cut back on environmental schemes due to the scramble for funds and rising operational costs.
Key points
- Lex Brun, a farmer from Great Massingham, missed out on an expected £100,000 from the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI).
- The £253m fund opened at 10:00 BST and ran out of money in less than six hours, leading to comparisons with concert ticket sales.
- The Country Land and Business Association stated that many farmers missed out and might need to reduce environmental projects.
- Brun cited rising costs for fuel and fertiliser alongside mediocre harvest returns as additional pressures on his business.
- Farming Minister Stephen Morgan acknowledged farmers' concerns and stated that alternatives to the first-come, first-served application process would be explored.