With the deadline fast approaching, I want to encourage horticulture growers and farmers in England – and contractors to them – to consider applying for a grant offered through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024 (FETF).
The FETF provides grants that go towards the cost of equipment and technology that support improvements in productivity, slurry management and animal health and welfare.
Successful applicants will receive a grant of:
In this post, I'll set out the items that horticulture farmers and growers can apply for and the steps to apply.
There are many items relevant to horticulture available for a FETF grant. The list of equipment aimed at horticulture can be found on GOV.UK . It includes:
We’ve listed the items into categories so they're easier to navigate. They are:
There will soon be an opportunity to let us know about items of equipment you would like to see on the list for future rounds. We'll blog with further details.
You’ll receive an acknowledgement email within 24 hours of applying – you may need to check your junk folder for emails about your application.
The RPA will allocate funding once all the applications have been received and scored. You may not receive any, or all of the funding you apply for.
If your application is successful, the RPA will send you a Grant Funding Agreement (GFA). GFAs for each grant will be sent separately. If your application is unsuccessful, the RPA will write to you to tell you why.
Use the Farming Investment Fund service to accept your GFA by the deadline which will be in the email. You’ll need to select each grant to accept each GFA.
We've set out the steps you’ll need to follow to claim your FETF 2024 grant payment on GOV.UK .
Our team hosted a webinar on the FETF grants on 12 March 2024.
We recently blogged about the Sustainable Farming Incentive offer for horticultural growers and farmers in England.
If you have questions about your application or item specifications, email FETFEnquiries@rpa.gov.uk or call the Rural Payments Agency ( RPA ) helpline on 03000 200 301 and select the option for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund.