Verdict on SFI budget, fertiliser warning, Red Tractor responds, and Only Farmers

Defra has finally unveiled the budget for its flagship Sustainable Farming Incentive scheme – but is £240 million enough to meet demand from farmers? Former Natural England agriculture head Geoff Sansome gives his verdict – and explains why thousands of farmers could still be left in limbo when existing agreements expire. We also bring you an exclusive interview with new Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin, who responds to criticism of the farm assurance scheme. Just weeks into the role, Mr McLaughlin outlines plans for reform and explains how technology, AI and simpler audits could help rebuild trust with farmers. Recorded at the Cereals event at Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm, we discuss why this year’s show has been one of the most talked-about industry events in years. And we hear about the NFU’s call for government support to protect growers from soaring fertiliser costs. Finally, we meet the team behind Only Farmers – a new online platform designed to help farmers market products, share equipment, promote experiences and connect with customers. Guests * Geoff Sansome – former head of agriculture, Natural England* Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin* NFU president Tom Bradshaw* Lisa Hogan – co-founder, Only Farmers* Wolfe Bentinck – co-founder, Only Farmers Chapters 00:00 SFI budget finally confirmed01:45 Geoff Sansome on whether £240m is enough05:41 Industry reaction to the SFI announcement09:02 Exclusive: Red Tractor chief executive Paul McLaughlin11:36 Why assurance reform is taking so long14:05 Imports, standards and farmer frustrations16:38 Technology, AI and the future of farm assurance20:41 Panel reaction to Red Tractor’s plans24:49 Cereals 2026 from Diddly Squat Farm25:14 Has Jeremy Clarkson changed Cereals?30:51 NFU fertiliser resilience plan explained35:43 Markets: beef, sheep, pigs, cereals and diesel38:34 Only Farmers: a new platform for agriculture41:47 Can farmers benefit from Only Farmers?43:50 Final thoughts and goodbye Useful links Sustainable Farming Incentive Red Tractor National Farmers Union Cereals Event Only Farmers Natural England Farmers Weekly This episode of the Farmers Weekly Podcast is co-hosted by Johann Tasker, Louise Impey and Hugh Broom. Edited and produced by Johann Tasker. We love to hear from you: - Contact or follow Johann: linkedin.com/in/johanntasker/ Contact or follow Louise: linkedin.com/in/louise-impey-95470b20b/ Contact or follow Hugh: linkedin.com/in/hugh-broom-9b11906a/ For Farmers Weekly, visit fwi.co.uk or follow linkedin.com/company/farmers-weekly To contact, sponsor or advertise on the Farmers Weekly Podcast, email [email protected]. In the UK, you can also text the word FARM followed by your message to 88 44 0. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.