Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI2023) application window

IF you are unaware what Sustainable Farming Incentive are, these payments are intended to allow farmers to carry out actions that support both a sustainable farm business and a healthy natural environment. Full details of the SFI 2023 were published by Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) back the in June 2023 in a detailed handbook, so that farmers could plan ahead for autumn planting and what they will apply for. Secretary of State for Food and Farming Thérèse Coffey said:- "The Sustainable Farming Incentive is important for sustainability; for production and profitability. With opening up the options, from mid September for everyone, there is likely to be an opportunity for every eligible farmer to join SFI."

Now the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has commented on the late opening of the SFI2023 application window. CLA President Mark Tufnell said:- "I firmly believe that the 'public money for public goods' model is the right 1  for farmers, for the public and for the environment. The Environmental Land Management Schemes will work, but it is impossible to ignore the impact that continued delays are having on the confidence of land managers to engage with them. As a first step to re-establishing that confidence, Defra Ministers must recognise the immediate cash flow problems many farmers across England will be having, as BPS (Basic Payments Scheme) cuts bite. There is no room left for further delays, and Ministers must redouble their efforts to ensure applications are processed and payments are made as soon as possible."

The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is now open for applications via the Rural Payments service. If you are a farmer in the UK, you can register via this website.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Liverpool Memory Walk 2023

MEMORY Walk is back for 2023 and media reps are being invited to take part, speak to participants and Alzheimer's Society staff and capture photos and film of an inspiring event.

1 in 3 people born today in the UK will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. Alzheimer's Society supporters will feel the full range of emotions, at Aintree, on Sunday, whether it’s the buzz of the crowd or being able to reflect on quiet moments of remembrance, or embracing the hug of a stranger who just:- 'gets it,' all while raising vital funds for the charity.

Whether supporters walk as one or walk with many, they’ll be providing help and hope to people living with dementia. They may be walking for, or in memory of a loved 1, or just wanting to support Alzheimer's Society's crucial work in their local community.

Every pound raised will make a huge difference. Supporters will be walking to fund faster diagnosis, ongoing support and vital research, helping people with dementia live more fulfilled lives now and in the future.

The next Alzheimer's Society's Liverpool Memory Walk 2023 will be held on:- Sunday, 3 September 2023, with the 1st walk starting off at 10am and the other 2 walks, the:- 2kn and 6km routes, will set off at:- 11am, at Aintree Racecourse, in Liverpool.

To take part in the next walks, that will be held at Aintree Racecourse, please go to:- MemoryWalk.Org.UK for more information.