Relaunched SFI - what it means for you, High Court and abattoirs, Red Tractor, and Open Farm Sunday

Relaunched SFI - what it means for you, High Court and abattoirs, Red Tractor, and Open Farm Sunday

From The Farmers Weekly Podcast by Farmers Weekly

June 5, 2026 · 44 min · Season 1 · Episode 307

About this episode

This episode discusses the reopening of England's Sustainable Farming Incentive and its implications for farmers, alongside a High Court ruling on meat inspection charges and the celebration of Open Farm Sunday's 20th anniversary.

This week, Defra confirms England’s Sustainable Farming Incentive will reopen for applications on 30 June – but only for some farmers, and with questions over budget. Farm business adviser Katie Hilton explains the key changes in SFI 26, including land use caps, no-till rules and revised payment rates. We also examine a High Court ruling which could mean lower meat inspection charges for abattoirs, processors and livestock producers. And royal recognition for Open Farm Sunday which celebrates its 20th anniversary – we find out why even small events can help reconnect the public with farming. Podcast guests: * Katie Hilton, director, Cheffins * John Royle, NFU chief livestock policy adviser * Rachel Risdon, Devon farmer and Open Farm Sunday host Chapters 00:53 – Sustainable Farming Incentive 12:59 – High Court ruling on meat inspection charges 17:18 – Why small abattoirs matter to livestock farmers 24:19 – Listener feedback on Red Tractor reform 27:32 – Farmers Weekly Podcast Live at Cereals 30:23 – Sainsbury’s white eggs and trailer safety 33:53 – Market prices 36:16 – Open Farm Sunday celebrates 20 years…

People in this episode

Guests: Katie Hilton, John Royle, Rachel Risdon

Topics covered

  • Sustainable Farming Incentive
  • meat inspection charges
  • abattoirs
  • Red Tractor
  • public engagement
  • Open Farm Sunday

Keywords

  • Sustainable Farming Incentive
  • meat inspection charges
  • abattoirs
  • Red Tractor
  • Open Farm Sunday
  • farming
  • public engagement

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Defra, Cheffins, NFU, Open Farm Sunday, British Meat Processors Association, Food Standards Agency

Places: England

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