Labour has been forced to rethink its decision to suddenly suspend a key green farming scheme without warning. The Government announced in March that it would not accept new applications for the Sustainable Farming Initiative (SFI), which pays farmers to manage their land in an environmentally friendly way.

The move, which left thousands of farmers with half-completed applications, prompted the National Farmers Union (NFU) to threaten a legal challenge. Environment minister Daniel Zeichner today confirmed that farmers who had begun an application within two months of the closure date would be able to complete it.

NFU President Tom Bradshaw said: “We said from day one that this sudden closure, with just minutes’ notice, was wholly unacceptable and always wrong.

“The NFU was determined to use its expertise to challenge this devastating decision, and I would like to thank those members and staff who led this work.”

The change means around 3,000 farmers will now be able to submit their applications.

Tory shadow environment secretary Victoria Atkins said: “It should not take the threat of legal action to do the right thing for British farmers.

“Now 3,000 more farmers can complete their SFI payment applications and not face the Labour-imposed cliff edge.

“Labour could have avoided this U-turn if they listened.”

The sudden axing of the scheme in March was described at the time by campaigners as “another shattering blow” to farmers and the “most cruel” betrayal.

It comes as Labour has faced an ongoing backlash for its inheritance tax raid on farmers, which the Daily Express is campaigning against with our Save Britain’s Family Farm crusade.

In his written statement, Mr Zeichner said: “I have decided to allow applications to be made to the SFI 2024 scheme by those who had started an application within 2 months of 11 March 2025, but who had not submitted the application by that date.

“This is relevant to around 3,000 applications which were started on 12 January 2025 or later.

“Eligible applicants will be given a six-week window in which to make an application. My department will shortly be contacting applicants who are eligible to let them know when this window will open and close.”

He added: “The Government is focused on supporting our farmers, driving rural economic growth and boosting Britain’s food security.

“Now is the right time for a reset via the reformed SFI offer: which will support farmers, deliver for nature and target public funds fairly and effectively towards our priorities for food, farming and nature.”