Farmers receive a £40 million productivity boost as Defra announces the opening of a new grants scheme for investment in cutting edge technology and new equipment.
Under the scheme, grants are available to help livestock, dairy, arable and horticultural farmers improve farm productivity through investing in new technology, such as robotics, to reduce cost or improve product quality. The scheme also offers funds for farmers and food processors to invest in new equipment and machinery to improve the processing of milk, meat and fruit.
The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD and will be delivered through the RPA.
How much money can you apply for?
The grants are for a minimum of £35,000 and a maximum of £1,000,000. Grants can cover up to 40% of the eligible costs of a project. If the minimum grant is £35,000, the minimum total eligible cost of a project istherefore £87,500.Grants can only be claimed after the work being claimed for is finished and has been paid for.
For smaller projects you may be able to apply for grant support through LEADER. Search for ‘LEADER funding’ on GOV.UK
What can you use the grants for?
These grants are to improve farm productivity through:
- the use of robotic equipment to aid crop and livestock production
- increasing the use of renewable energy produced on farm by improving energy storage and distribution
- the use of LED wavelength controlled lighting to aid crop production
- more efficient use of livestock slurries and manures, and digestate
Grant funding can help pay for buying and installing machinery and equipment
The deadline for applications is 3rd December 2018.
*The RPA has the right to change the date grant applications have to be submitted by at any time
How to apply and preparing an application: To find out how to apply and how to prepare an application search GOV.UK for the “Improving Farm Productivity Handbook”
Not sure if you’re eligible? Contact the RPA helpline on 03000 200301 or email Q1BFbnF1aXJpZXNAcnBhLmdzaS5nb3YudWs=