Applications are open for the ‘Improving Farm Productivity’ theme of the Farming Investment Fund.
England’s farmers and growers are being invited to apply for government funding to invest in cutting edge robotics and technology which have the potential to boost food production.
Through the Improving Farm Productivity Fund, grants ranging from £35,000 to £500,000 are available to invest in productivity-boosting equipment such as driverless tractors, robots that harvest, weed and spray crops, and automated milking systems.
The new £25 million scheme is the latest instalment of the Farming Investment Fund – an overarching programme which opened in November 2021 to increase productivity on farms.
Farmers and agricultural contractors may apply. Projects must be based in England, with estimated costs of more than £87,500.
Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:
'We know how important it is for farmers to identify opportunities that maximise productivity and yields. These grants are aimed at contributing towards the purchase of new and green equipment that can bring a positive change to the day to day operation of a farm, as well as the wider environment.'
Applications for the Improving Farm Productivity Fund are open until 16 March 2022.
Further themed grants through the Farming Investment Fund will open later this year.
How To Apply
The application window for the Improve Farm Productivity fund is open from 19 January 2022 until 16 March 2022.
Applications for the Farming Transformation Fund Water Management Grant had to be be made online through an eligibility checker by 12 January 2022. Projects that score highly enough will be invited to make a full application. The deadline for full applications is 30 June 2022.
Applications are made online.
Interested parties should contact RPA for more details and support with applications.
For more information, visit the GOV website.
Addresses and contacts
For further information on how to obtain this grant locally, please contact the following:
- Enquiries
Rural Payments Agency (RPA) England
PO Box 69
Reading
RG1 3YD
Tel: 03000 200301