Tyrrells founder criticizes UK Government's farming scheme halt

William Chase, the founder of Tyrrells crisps, has criticized the government for stopping new applications to a sustainable farming scheme. He called the move “an environmental killer.” Chase runs a family farm in Herefordshire, where he also produces apple cider vinegar. He stated that due to this decision, he would have to reduce his workforce from 20 employees to about 12. The government halted new applications for the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) this month without prior notice. Although the government had promised a six-week warning, this did not happen. The SFI was launched in 2022 to encourage farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices. Chase had spent three years preparing his farm for the program and was about to submit his application when it was suddenly closed. He lamented that the SFI aimed to protect soil health and enable farmers to grow organic food. He believes the program's closure will force farmers to abandon ecological practices for more intensive farming methods to survive. Despite the setback, Chase plans to continue his regenerative farming practices but will have to alter his methods. He emphasized the need for long-term government support for sustainable farming. He warned that without support, food security and environmental health could be at risk. Chase also expressed concerns about potential new tax changes affecting farmers and how they may further complicate the future of farming. Meanwhile, government officials explained that the budget for the SFI had been fully used. They mentioned plans to redesign the program to better support farmers in the future.