Apply before 10th July for FETF farming equipment grants

 

If you’re based in England and looking to invest in new farming equipment in the near future, it’s worth checking out the Government’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF). The fund is offering three different grants to help farmers improve productivity, manage slurry and improve animal health and welfare. If you’re looking to replace and/or upgrade old equipment, you could reclaim up to 50% of the value for eligible items.

How does the FETF grant work?

There are three different grant themes available, and applicants can apply for more than one grant theme if it suits their business. Only one application can be made for each grant theme. Grants are for equipment that:

1. Improves productivity - £1000 - £25000
2. Manages slurry – £1000 - £25000
3. Improves animal health and welfare - £1000 - £25000

Eligible items have been listed and costed based on average prices from a cross-section of suppliers. RPA will pay a grant amount of 40% - 50% of the listed item price, once it has been purchased.

Who is eligible?

Your farming business must be based in England, be registered with the Rural Payments Service, and have a Single Business Identifier (SBI). The scheme is available to those who farm beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, and layers and broilers. You can apply even if you have received money previously from FETF grants or the Countryside Productivity Scheme.

Which items are eligible for a grant?

You can check the specification lists for items that are eligible, as well as their estimated average cost. We’ve made it easy for our customers by listing eligible items on a dedicated page, on our website.

A flavour of what’s available for the poultry sector

Monitoring equipment, such as wireless ammonia meters to ensure a healthy environment for birds and workers, or ultrasonic water meters for measuring water consumption. Dosing systems are also included, as well as perching systems for improved welfare.

A flavour of what’s available for the dairy sector

Eligible items include cow brushes to enhance comfort and hygiene, boot cleaners to improve biosecurity and slurry separators for better waste management.

What you can’t claim for

It’s worth noting that you cannot claim for items already purchased, and the items must be new and purchased outright (not leased, or bought on hire purchase or part exchange). Check the FEFT page for a full list of exceptions.

How to apply

  • Check eligibility – businesses registered in England that have a Single Business Identifier (SBI) with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) may apply for this grant.
  • Choose your equipment – review the FETF 2025 items and specifications list to confirm the equipment you want meets the minimum requirements
  • Submit your application(s) – apply online through the Farming Investment Fund service before noon on 10 July 2025.
  • Wait for approval – The RPS will assess applications based on scoring criteria. Successful applicants will receive a Grant Funding Agreement (GFA).
  • Purchase the equipment after you have received the GFA – ensure the equipment matches the exact specification in the application.Submit your claim with proof of purchase.

The process is competitive, so not all applicants will receive funding. If you need any help with specification of equipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Good luck!