Emma Reynolds’ Address at Oxford Farming Conference

January 8, 2026 – Key Announcements and Industry Response

Main Policy Announcements

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Reforms

Emma Reynolds announced a simplified SFI scheme with a new two-window application process for 2026. The first application window will open in June, prioritising smaller farms and those without existing agreements. This will be followed by a second window in September for wider applications to all farms.

This reform directly addresses longstanding criticism that schemes have been held back by excessive bureaucracy. Reynolds committed to changing the system to one that properly supports farmers.

New Funding Initiatives

Farmer Collaboration Fund:

A new three-year, £30 million fund designed to help farmers grow their businesses, share information, and network with peers. This initiative aims to strengthen the farming community through enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Farming in Protected Landscapes:

The programme will be extended for three years with £30 million in funding allocated for 2027. This continuation provides security for farmers working in areas of outstanding natural beauty and other protected landscapes.

Core Messages from the Speech

Reynolds emphasised that farmers are central to national life through their roles in food production, supporting communities, and protecting the landscape. She acknowledged that farmers have been hindered by bureaucratic systems that have not served them well.
The minister promised a new approach built on partnership working. This includes the establishment of the new Farming and Food Partnership Board, development of peer-to-peer networks, and support for community-led change. She committed to providing farmers with certainty through clear budgets, defined timelines, and a comprehensive future roadmap

Connection to Broader Policy Framework

These announcements build on the Farming Profitability Review conducted by Baroness Minette Batters. The measures will directly inform the government’s forthcoming 25-year Farming Roadmap, which will establish a long-term vision covering food production, environmental objectives, land use policy, and farm profitability.

Industry Reaction

Country Land and Business Association (CLA)

CLA president Gavin Lane welcomed the clarity provided after months of uncertainty in the sector. He stressed that it is essential all farmers can access SFI regardless of their farm type or size. Lane specifically welcomed both the collaboration fund and the extension of Farming in Protected Landscapes, noting that CLA members have successfully used the programme to develop projects that benefit both the environment and their businesses.

Nature Friendly Farming Network

Chief executive Martin Lines welcomed the clarity in the announcements, particularly praising the commitment to prioritise smaller farms in the June application window. He highlighted that previous agri-environment schemes had often operated as a race that favoured those with sufficient time and money to navigate complex applications, while smaller farms frequently lacked the capacity to compete effectively.

Key Quote

Reynolds acknowledged the frustrations farmers have experienced, stating that schemes have “too often been held back by bureaucracy” and promising “We’re changing that to a system that backs our farmers.”

Overall Assessment

Industry bodies broadly welcomed the announcements, viewing them as positive steps toward simplification and improved access. However, stakeholders emphasised that the success of these reforms will depend on actual delivery and implementation, ensuring that the promised access and support materializes in practice for farmers of all sizes and types across the sector.