Grants for High-Tech Equipment Closing Soon!

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, available to English farmers and growers since March, will be concluding at midday on May 1st, 2024. This fund is a part of the broader Farming Investment fund and provides grants for specific equipment to enhance productivity, promote environmental sustainability, and improve animal health and welfare.

Each equipment item is assigned a score based on DEFRA’s assessment of how well it aligns with the scheme’s objectives. Applications can be made for a minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £25,000. Applications for animal health and welfare items are scored on their contribution towards the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway priorities.

The RPA will score your application by:

• multiplying the score for each item you’ve applied for by the quantity you have applied for and adding these numbers together (total A)
• multiplying the maximum grant amount for each item you’ve applied for by the quantity you have applied for, and adding these numbers together (total B)
• dividing total A by total B
• You can increase your application score by 20% if you provide evidence that you’ve discussed your application with a vet

To access the application form click the button below:

Here are some suggested items that may be useful:

FETF82SH – EID handheld device (stick reader)

• Handheld device with RFID technology for individual reading of animals
• Capable of scanning tags, storing tag data, and wireless connection to mobile phones or other devices
• Should support HDX and FDX B tags
• Score: 1,330
• Herdwatch is currently compatible with the following EID readers:
  • Agrident AWR250 & AWR300.
  • Agrident APR250, APR450 & APR600.
  • Tru-Test SRS2 & XRS2.
  • Shearwell SDL440 Reader (Android Only)
  • Gallagher HR5 (Android Only)

FETF243A – Sheep race

• Standalone sheep race
• Minimum requirements: 1 guillotine gate, 1 stop or drafting gate, sheeted hurdles and coupling rods
• Total length of the race must be at least of 4.8m
• Should be compatible with any handling system and made from a hard-wearing, durable material such as steel or plastic
• Score: 1,440

FETF65 – Calving gate

• Calving gate with a built-in swinging gate for safety restrain of cows.
• Features a full-length adjustable head yoke with quick release, device to prevent backward movement and removable side rails or access panels for treatment or calving related activities.
• Score: 390

*Please note that ex-demo, second-hand, part exchange, and ‘try before you buy’ items are not eligible for grant funding.

If your application is successful, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Completed claim and declaration form.
• Copies of the invoices.
• Copies of payment evidence, such as bank statements, building society statements, or business credit card statements.
• Photographic evidence of the equipment in situ (where applicable) for each item.
• Photograph of the manufacturer’s plate or a scanned image from the installation or operating manual showing the serial number of each item.
• Installation and operating manuals, if necessary, to demonstrate eligibility of the item.

For more information, see the link above. Remember, the application deadline is midday on Wednesday 1st May!