Grant News

Farmers, horticulturalists, forestry owners, and contractors in England can apply for grants to purchase equipment and technology that enhance productivity, improve slurry management, and promote animal health and welfare.

This funding is provided through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025, administered by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and delivered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA).

The FETF 2025 aims to support the adoption of innovative practices that contribute to sustainable farming operations.

For the 2025 cycle, a total of £46.7 million is allocated: £30 million for productivity and slurry management themes, and £16.7 million for the animal health and welfare theme.

Applicants can apply for grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000 per theme. Since there are three distinct themes—Productivity, Slurry Management, and Animal Health and Welfare—eligible applicants may apply for each, potentially securing up to £75,000 in total funding.

The fund supports the purchase of specified items that align with its objectives. Examples include: advanced machinery and equipment that enhance farming efficiency, technologies that improve the handling and storage of slurry to mitigate environmental impacts, and equipment that promotes better living conditions and health monitoring for livestock. Detailed lists of eligible items and their specifications are provided in the official guidance documents.

To be eligible, applicants must be based and registered in England and operate as a farmer, horticulturalist, forestry owner, or contractor providing services to these sectors. For the Animal Health and Welfare theme, applicants must be involved in farming specific livestock, including beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, pigs, or poultry (laying and broiler chickens, including rearing and breeding farms).

The application window for FETF 2025 opens on 29 May 2025 and closes at midday on 10 July 2025. This is the sole application period for this funding cycle.