In light of reports that more than 1,200 farmers might be affected by a backlog of Future Farming Investment Scheme (FFIS) evidence verific…

Ministers were advised on 10 July that evidence returns were slower than expected and agreed to extend the deadline to 30 September. At that point, only 552 of 1,750 beneficiaries, 32%, had submitted evidence. No verification backlog or processing capacity concern had been identified at that stage.The pressure arose subsequently as evidence submissions became concentrated over a short period. Of the 765 cases received by the end of July, 712, 93%, assessments have now either been completed or are under review.We do not consider that the current position demonstrates a failure to learn lessons from previous schemes. Grants were paid in advance specifically to give businesses the cash flow to make the approved investments. However, 557 beneficiaries, have still to provide evidence that the funded investment was carried out. As of 15 September 2026, 45 completed cases have resulted in recovery of grant (either in whole or in part), totalling £373,444. This demonstrates why the required verification controls must be completed.