Written questions

Countryside Stewardship Scheme and Sustainable Farming Incentive: Common Land

Commons · Question 9101 · Tabled 11 Jun 2026 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Official record

Answered 18 Jun 2026

Question

Asked by Greg Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to ensure that those who farm on common land are given equitable and swift access to the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier.

Answer

Answered by Stephen Morgan, 18 Jun 2026

DEFRA understands the importance of Commons and recognises the importance of bringing them under these schemes. For technical reasons, commons groups will not be able to apply for SFI on common land when the application window opens later this month or ap...