Farmers, growers, foresters, and related contractors looking to invest in new equipment have until midday on 10 July to apply for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2025. The fund, which aims to enhance productivity, improve slurry management, and support animal health and welfare, is now open for applications.
The fund is divided into three themes: Productivity, Slurry Management, and Animal Health and Welfare. Applicants can request between £1,000 and £25,000 per theme and can apply under more than one theme. This structure allows for a tailored approach, enabling applicants to address specific needs within their operations.
Under the Productivity theme, eligible items include direct drills, robotic or camera-guided inter-row hoes, and equipment for precise crop management. These tools can significantly improve efficiency and reduce waste, leading to more sustainable farming practices. For Slurry Management, items such as slurry separators, dribble bars, and robotic slurry pushers are covered. These technologies help with low-emission spreading and better storage, addressing environmental concerns and regulatory requirements. In the Animal Health and Welfare category, support is available for mobile sheep handling units, cattle squeeze crushes, and static cow brushes. These items are designed to improve livestock welfare, a critical aspect of modern farming.
Each theme has a comprehensive list of equipment with fixed grant amounts, typically covering around 40 to 50% of the cost. This financial assistance can make a substantial difference in the affordability of advanced technologies, enabling more farmers to adopt innovative solutions.
Before applying, it is crucial to read the guidance on GOV.UK. Additionally, a webinar hosted by the fund organizers provides detailed information on what the fund offers and how to apply. The webinar also includes responses to questions that were not addressed during the session, offering further clarity.
It is important to note that this is a competitive grant, meaning not all applications will be successful, and applicants may not receive the full amount requested. However, with £46.7 million available in this round, there is a significant opportunity for farmers to secure funding for essential equipment.
One of the applicants, Eppenga, a progressive farmer known for adopting innovative farming techniques, shared his plans to apply for the fund. Eppenga aims to invest in a robotic slurry pusher to enhance slurry management on his farm. “This fund presents a great opportunity to upgrade our equipment and improve our farming practices,” Eppenga stated. “The robotic slurry pusher will not only save time but also help us manage slurry more effectively, reducing emissions and improving storage.”
The implications of this fund are far-reaching. By providing financial support for advanced equipment, the fund encourages the adoption of technologies that can lead to more efficient, sustainable, and humane farming practices. This, in turn, can contribute to the overall competitiveness and resilience of the agricultural sector.