The experience of the Sustainable Farming Incentive 2024 (SFI24) closure follows a pattern within Defra of poor communication and last-minute decision-making following rumours and Departmental leaks. As with the sudden closure of the Capital Grants scheme in November 2024, the end of SFI24 came with no specific warning, despite the six weeks’ notice indicated in the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) guidance. This has been perceived by the sector as a breach of trust, leaving many questioning future statements and businesses facing significant funding shortfalls. Lessons must be learned from this failure of communication; a restoration of trust is urgently required. It is essential that Defra focuses on rebuilding that trust through good-faith communications with the sector. (Conclusion, Paragraph 59)