According to Defra, more than 14,000 people have registered their interest, with those whose agreement started on 1 October 2023 receiving the early payment this week.
This, the government said, would help with cashflow against a background of high inflation and rising input costs.
NFU Vice President David Exwood said the progress was “encouraging” and welcomed the initial payments, adding saying it was important that all farmers who signed up early got a payment before Christmas.
Looking forward, David said: “What we need to see now is expressions of interest converted into agreements. It’s also important that Defra and the Rural Payments Agency continually look to improve the online application process to make it as easy and as smooth as possible.
“It was important for government to bridge the massive financial hole in farm support caused by issues with the changeover in support schemes from the old Basic Payment Scheme to SFI,” David added.
“Looking ahead, it is vital that details for the SFI24 are presented at the earliest opportunity, in order to provide farmers, particularly those in the uplands, the confidence they need to plan for the future.”
From the end of this week, farmers will no longer need to submit registrations of interest and will be able to apply directly online.
Those farming on commons should continue to express their interest with the Rural Payments Agency which can support them to get ready to apply.
Defra Secretary of State Thérèse Coffey said: “We are engaging with farmers and taking onboard their feedback to continually improve the scheme, including delivering on our commitment to introduce early payments and taking steps to simplify the application process.”
