UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Sir Keir Starmer faces criticism for halting Sustainable Farming Incentive applications, amid concerns the move could undermine rural communities.
The government’s decision to pause applications for an essential post-Brexit farming scheme sparks outrage, with some describing it as an assault on farmers’ livelihoods.
What did Kemi Badenoch say about Keir Starmer’s farming incentive cut?
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has slammed Labour’s decision to scrap the SFI just six weeks before farmers’ tax deadlines. The late-night announcement has fueled tensions, with opponents accusing the party of disregarding the financial stability of the agricultural sector.
During Prime Minister’s Questions, she criticised Keir Starmer, accusing the party of neglecting rural Britain.
Ms. Badenoch stated,
“Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves do not care about rural communities. The Labour government treats farmers with contempt.”
What did Keir Starmer say about the Tories’ farming scheme cancellations?
Keir Starmer hit back during PMQs, reminding the House of Commons that the Conservatives had previously scrapped the scheme in 2022 and 2023 without providing six weeks’ notice.
He stated,
“The SFI schemes have operated to give considerable support so far. There have been many schemes which were closed and replaced. We do support farmers, we will be putting more details forward at the spending review.”
Defra’s latest change for the Sustainable Farming Incentive
On March 11, 2025, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs revealed that new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive would no longer be accepted.
As part of the post-Brexit agricultural payment structure, the SFI was introduced to replace the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy. The initiative pays land managers for environmental stewardship, aiming to support biodiversity, soil health, and public benefits beyond simply compensating them for land ownership.
Labour is already facing growing backlash from farmers, with hundreds of tractors brought to Westminster in protest. The latest move could provoke fresh waves of demonstrations.
What did Tom Bradshaw say about the latest farming policy change?
The National Farmers’ Union president Tom Bradshaw said,
“This is another shattering blow to English farms, delivered yet again with no warning, no understanding of the industry and a complete lack of compassion or care.”
Mr Bradshaw stated that industry leaders have long warned that aspects of the SFK are improperly structured. He slammed Dera as an inefficient department, saying farmers are suffering due to ongoing mismanagement.
He added,
“The awful dilemma now faced by many farmers is whether to turn their backs on environmental work and just farm as hard as they can to survive.”
What did the CEO of Nature Friendly Farming Network say about farmers’ struggles?
NFFN Chief Executive warned that the decision could put some farmers into severe financial hardship.
He stated,
“This has left many farmers feeling frustrated and let down, with no clear opportunity to be rewarded for delivering public goods in the near future.”
What did Robbie Moore say about Labour’s impact on farmers?
Shadow Minister for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, Robbie Moore, criticized the Labour government’s plan for the future, stating that the government changes rules abruptly without proper notice.
He said,
“Hugely damaging for business, for food production and for the environment – and of course detrimental for our farmers’ own health and wellbeing.”
What did Victoria Atkins say about Labour’s farming policies?
Tory shadow Defra secretary Victoria Atkins stated,
“I didn’t think this Labour government could show more disdain for British farming and the countryside – and then they go and do this.”
What did Alistair Carmichael say about Defra’s impact on farmers?
The head of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Alistair Carmichael, lablled the decision as “another very regrettable decision” by Defra.
He stated,
“Farmers are already under immense pressure from a perfect storm of adverse conditions. For many farmers, this latest move by the government will only add to the uncertainty and insecurity of their livelihoods and threaten their financial viability.”
What did Daniel Zeichner say about the government’s food security scheme?
Defending the government’s approach, Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner argued that the scheme is being handled more efficiently than under the Tories and assured that all existing and pending packages will be upheld.
He stated,
“We will be coming forward with a scheme which is properly capped, because the problem we inherited from the previous government was no cap on this scheme,”
adding,
“It’s basically first-come-first-served, and there was always going to come a point where it was finished, which is essentially the point we’ve reached.”