SFI: IPM4 (No Insecticide) and Buffer Strips

This note looks at a technical issue related to the Sustainable Farming Incentive. For context and general guidance on the scheme, see the SFI Handbook 2023.

Several members have contacted us about issues applying the SFI Action IPM4 (No use of insecticide on arable crops and permanent crops) to a land parcel where they also intend to carry out a compatible part-parcel action (IPM2; AHL1; AHL4).

IPM4 with a whole-parcel action. Those applying IPM4 to the parcel first will find that they are then blocked from applying a compatible part-parcel action to the same field. However, where the part-parcel action is applied first, then IPM4 can be applied to the remaining area of the relevant parcel.