FETF 2024 Grants Open in England

Applications in England are open for Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024 (FETF) grants for help to buy items that support improvements in productivity, slurry management and animal health and welfare. Defra expect to open two more productivity, slurry and animal welfare grant application windows later this year.

How much money will you receive?

The fund is competitive, and you can apply for one grant from each of the three themes. Successful applicants will receive a grant of:

• A minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £50,000 towards productivity items.
• A minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £50,000 towards slurry items.
• A minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £25,000 towards animal health and welfare items.

The RPA will pay a percentage of the cost depending on the item. For many items, this percentage is an increase on last year. This funding will go towards either:

• The average cost of the item – if an item costs you the same or more than the expected average cost in the item lists.
• The actual cost you pay for the item – if an item costs you less than the expected average cost in the item lists.

Application Windows

Productivity and slurry items – applications opened on the 6th of March and the deadline to apply is midday on the 17th of April 2024.

Animal health and welfare items – applications opened on the 20th of March and the deadline to apply is midday on the 1st of May 2024.

Steps to apply

1. Read the FETF 2024 guidance for information about the grants and the item lists.
2. Check the specification of the items you want to apply for in the 2024 items and specifications lists – specifications may have changed from previous FETF item lists.
3. Check the availability of the items you want to apply for with your supplier.
4. Do not order or buy anything at this stage, unless you are paying with a refundable deposit. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will reject your claim if you do not meet these conditions.
5. Register with the Rural Payments service.
6. Check your business and contact details in the Rural Payments service are correct. Your personal record on Rural Payments must have a permission level of either ‘make legal changes’ or ‘full permissions’ for the business you are applying for.
7. Read the FETF 2024 terms and conditions.
8. Register and login to the Farming Investment Fund service to submit your application by the application deadlines. The Farming Investment Fund service is separate to the Rural Payments service and requires you to complete a new registration. If you want to apply for more than one grant, you’ll need to submit separate applications. The service is an online system where you’ll need to answer questions about you and your business. Your details must match those in the Rural Payments service. Your application should take around 20 minutes to complete.

For further advice or help with applying for a Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF) grant please contact our Stewardship & Grants Team on 01981 590514.