Introducing Encompass Ag
Encompass Ag is a close partner with FieldCraft Technologies helping you get the best return on investment from precision applications and precision equipment.
In this short blog, we look into how the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) can pay for your Carbon Bee Smart Striker X spot spray system.
Empowering Farms Through Expertise and Innovation - Richard Fitzpatrick - Managing Director Encompass Ag
I have been involved in UK farming and farm management for my entire career. I have managed various farming systems including cattle and sheep farming in the West Country to broad acre arable crops in the eastern counties of England. Having retired as general manager of a large pea vining group in the east of England, which I managed for nearly 25 years, I founded Encompass Ag Ltd.
During my time in those roles, I have been actively helping farmers get paid for grants and environmental schemes, helping their businesses maintain extra income and good cash flow.
Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) Applications and Spot Spraying
What is SFI?
The Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) is a key component of England's Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), introduced by the UK government to promote sustainable agricultural practices. It is part of the post-Brexit agricultural policy that replaces the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The SFI is designed to help farmers manage their land in ways that benefit the environment while supporting food production.
Farmers are rewarded for adopting sustainable practices that deliver environmental benefits. Payments are based on specific "standards" related to environmental outcomes.
SFI is open to farmers who manage agricultural land in England and are registered with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).
As a farmer, you can choose from various standards to fit with your business to maximise the returns whilst creating minimal impact on the day-to-day running of the business.
How can it help my farm?
SFI can help many farming businesses in many ways. Funding provided by the SFI provides an extra injection of capital at regular intervals, over 3 years, helping to mitigate potential cash flow issues.
It can also encourage more diverse ways of farming and help farming businesses with the cost of getting better precision farming equipment which can help reduce costs and environmental impacts over a longer period.
Is Spot Spraying covered in SFI?
Yes the Carbon Bee Smart Striker X allows spot spraying in green-on-brown modes and green-on-green in crop modes.
This wide range of applications means a significant reduction in chemical use which falls under the SFI criteria allowing you to claim £43/ha for using the system.
This funding easily pays for the Smart Striker X system in most user cases, alongside the chemical savings and other associated costs.
Can Encompass Ag help me get SFI funding when I buy a Carbon Bee Smart Striker X system?
Yes, Encompass Ag has teamed up with FieldCraft Technologies and will help secure SFI funding to help pay for the system. This will be included in any Smart Striker X spot spray system purchased in 2025 from FieldCraft Technologies.
Additionally, because Smart Striker X syncs seamlessly with the Hive online platform from Carbon Bee, proving what you have sprayed and not sprayed is simplified, making sure you get paid on time.
How can Encompass Ag help me?
We provide advice on the entire process, including recommendations on the best SFI options tailored to your specific farming practices and soil types.
To date, we have successfully completed numerous applications on behalf of our clients, ensuring they receive the support needed to implement sustainable farming practices.
The SFI agreements last for 3 years, with payments made every 3 months, which helps with farm cash flow. This stability enables farmers to plan and implement sustainable practices with confidence, knowing they have a steady stream of support.
If you have any questions about Encompass Ag can help you please contact Richard Fitzpatrick by emaling:
For more information about Carbon Bee Smart Striker X Spot spraying solution contact FieldCraft Technologies: