Wight Rural Hub

25/09/2026

We're delighted to share that Wight Rural Hub has been awarded an emergency grant from The Royal Countryside Fund as part of an emergency funding package supporting farm support groups helping farmers respond to drought and Bluetongue.
This funding will help us provide practical support for local livestock farmers, including a vet-led Bluetongue meeting with The Carisbrooke Vets Farm being organised for 15 October. The session will cover disease identification, vaccination, reporting procedures, livestock movements and planning ahead for winter and spring.
We're currently finalising the venue and agenda and will share full details soon. In the meantime, please save the date and keep an eye on our page for updates.
Thank you to The Royal Countryside Fund for helping us provide timely support to the Island's farming community.
The Royal Countryside Fund

22/09/2026

SFI26 Window 2 is now open
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has opened the second application window for the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2026 (SFI26).
£233 million is available in Window 2, including additional funding announced in response to drought and rising costs.
Who can apply?
Farmers and land managers who:
• are registered with the RPA and have a Single Business Identifier (SBI)
• have at least 3 hectares of eligible agricultural land linked to their SBI
Important: Window 2 will close once the available funding has been allocated, so don't leave applications until the last minute. Applications that have been started but not submitted when the window closes cannot be accepted.
Before applying:
✔️ Read Defra's 'Get ready to apply' guidance
✔️ Check your digital maps and land parcel details are correct
✔️ If you have an existing SFI23, CSMT, CSHT or HLS agreement ending on or before 28 February 2027, check the new 'apply early' functionality available in Window 2
✔️ Consider using AHDB's SFI cost benefit tool to understand the potential income and costs of the actions you're considering
Defra will provide updates as funding is allocated, including when 25%, 50% and 75% of the Window 2 budget has been committed.
Read the full SFI26 guidance and check your eligibility: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-sfi26
Wight Rural Hub will continue to share updates and useful information for farmers as it becomes available.

SFI 2026 Window 2 is open 🌾

Eligible farmers and land managers can apply for a share of £233 million to support food production, improve the environment and strengthen their businesses.

Find out more about SFI, check if you're eligible and apply here: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/22/sfi26-window-2-now-open/

22/09/2026

RABI has launched a £2 million Emergency Drought Grant to support farming households facing financial hardship as drought conditions continue across parts of England and Wales. Eligible applicants can receive a one-off payment of £2,000 towards household and living costs: https://rabi.org.uk/drought-support/

Applications for RABI’s £2,000 emergency drought grant opens next week, starting with the South West on 7 September.

The grants are available to eligible farm owners and tenant farmers whose principal farming business is in an area officially designated as being in drought.

📍 Applications open at 12 noon on:

7 September: South West
14 September: Wales
21 September: South East
28 September: East
5 October: Midlands

The grant is designed to provide rapid financial support towards personal and household expenditure where drought-related pressures have contributed to financial pressure.

Each regional phase has an allocated amount of funding and may close earlier if that funding is fully committed.

Check your eligibility and find out more: https://rabi.org.uk/drought-support/

09/09/2026

British Farming Day, Celebrating our Island farmers
Today is a chance to celebrate the people behind British food and the vital role farming plays in our countryside, communities and economy.
Here on the Isle of Wight, farming is part of what makes our Island unique. Our farmers produce food, care for the land, support local businesses and contribute to the landscape that residents and visitors value so highly.
At Wight Rural Hub, we’re proud to work alongside the Island’s farming community, helping farmers stay informed, connected and prepared for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
As the agricultural transition continues, staying connected has never been more important.
Today, and every day, we’re proud to .
Thank you to the farmers who feed us, care for our countryside and keep Island farming moving forward.

08/09/2026

SFI Window 2 reopens on 22 September. Have questions?
Join Defra, RPA, AHDB and Catchment Sensitive Farming, just 4 days before applications open, at Wight Rural Hub's Partner Update Meeting 18 Sept, 18:30, The Chequers. Free buffet supper included.
Whether you're considering an SFI application, looking for funding opportunities, navigating environmental schemes, or simply want to stay up to date with the latest developments affecting your farm business, this is your chance to ask questions and get answers directly from the source.
All of the same organisations will also be joining us at the Wight Rural Hub Farm Support Hub at the Ploughing Match the following day, creating a unique opportunity to connect with advisers over one weekend.
Places are free for the farming community, but booking is essential for catering purposes.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wight-rural-hub-partner-update-meeting-tickets-1999762182520

27/08/2026

Green with envy? Herbal leys are just one of 71 actions available through SFI26.
Herbal leys, which combine grasses, legumes and deep-rooting herbs, can:
improve soil structure
fix nitrogen and potentially reduce fertiliser requirements
provide nutrient-rich forage
help build resilience in dry conditions
SFI26 CSAM3: herbal leys pays £224/ha per year.
But SFI26 offers 71 different actions covering soil health, wildlife, water, nutrient management, precision farming, agroforestry, organic farming and more.
SFI Window 1 closes no later than 11:59pm on 28 August 2026.
If you’re not eligible for Window 1 or don't apply this time, SFI Window 2 is due to open in September 2026 for all farmers and land managers.
It’s worth looking at the full range of actions to see what could work for your farm.
Make sure you’re up to date with the latest SFI26 guidance and application information before making any decisions.
Photo courtesy of Mark Simmons at Compton Farm

11/08/2026

Great to see the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme being put to good use across the Isle of Wight.

This year’s projects have included hedgerow planting and laying, pond restoration, historic farm building repairs, market garden development and other practical improvements that benefit farming businesses, nature and the wider landscape.

If you’re planning work this autumn or winter, it’s worth speaking to the Isle of Wight National Landscape team soon. FiPL grants are available on a first come, first served basis and many eligible projects can receive significant support.

Read the roundup and find out more about applying here:
https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/2026/07/29/farming-in-protected-landscapes-2025-2026-roundup/

Application information:
https://isleofwight-nl.org.uk/grants/farming-in-protected-landscapes/

20/07/2026

Could emergency services find you quickly?
When every second counts, clear directions and vital farm information can save valuable time.
One simple action that could make a real difference is creating (or updating) your Whole Farm Emergency Plan and making sure everyone who works on farm knows where to find it.
Your plan should include:
📍 what3words locations for all farm entrances, yards and key buildings
🚜 Access routes and gate codes for emergency services
⚡ Locations of overhead power lines and underground services
🛢️ Fuel, chemical and slurry stores
💧 Water supplies and fire points
🐄 Livestock handling areas and any high-risk locations
📞 Emergency contact numbers and key medical information
Keep a copy in the farmhouse, another in tractors or farm vehicles and ensure family members and staff know how to access it.
A few minutes spent planning today could save valuable time tomorrow.
This , take one small step to make your farm safer for yourself, your family, your staff and emergency responders.

06/07/2026

SFI26 Update: Window 1 Funding 50% Allocated on Friday 3 July

The Rural Payments Agency has confirmed that around 50% of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI26) Window 1 budget has now been allocated following strong demand from farmers since the scheme opened.
If you're eligible and planning to apply during Window 1, don't delay. Submitting a complete and accurate application as soon as possible will help avoid potential delays.
Before applying, make sure your Rural Payments digital maps show:
🌱 All land parcels you wish to include in your application, with the correct areas and land covers.
🌱 At least 3 hectares of agricultural land, as this is the minimum required to start an SFI26 application.
If your maps need updating, contact the RPA through the Rural Payments service as soon as possible.
Farmers who do not apply during Window 1 will have another opportunity when Window 2 is expected to open in September.
Wight Rural Hub encourages Island farmers to review the guidance and ensure they are prepared to apply if eligible.
Read the SFI26 scheme rules and guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sustainable-farming-incentive-2026-scheme-information

We can confirm that around 50% of the Window 1 budget for SFI26 has been allocated, based on applications received to date.

05/06/2026

New Farm Safety App Launched
RABI have launched FarmersAid, a free app designed to help people respond to serious on-farm accidents while emergency services are on their way.
Developed with leading rural emergency medicine experts, the app provides clear, step-by-step guidance for 10 serious farming accident scenarios, helping users act quickly and confidently in high-pressure situations.
Features include:
✅ Step-by-step emergency guidance
✅ One-touch access to call 999
✅ Integration with What3Words for accurate location sharing
✅ Practical support designed specifically for farming environments
Farming remains one of the UK's most hazardous industries and having access to clear emergency guidance could make a critical difference when every minute counts.
Download FarmersAid:
Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/GetFarmersAid-iOS
Google Play: https://bit.ly/GetFarmersAid-Android
Thank you to RABI and the organisations supporting this important initiative to improve farm safety across the UK.