Tuesday 16th November sees the launch of the new RPA grant fund available to farmers, growers and foresters to apply for grant funding for equipment, technology and infrastructure to improve productivity and enhance the natural environment.
There are two tiers of the scheme available:
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund
This provides small productivity grants for farmers; this grant is based on previous schemes although the list of items available has expanded from 85 to 120. The minimum grant amount has reduced down to £2000, with the maximum grant amount rising to £25,000. The scheme is now also eligible to contractors.
The new scheme has an expanded list of slurry equipment available.Applications close on 7th January 2022. If an agreement is offered, items must be bought, installed and claimed for, prior to 30th September 2022. Items are available in the following categories:
Horticulture
Forestry
Resource Management
Precision and Analysis
Livestock Handling and Weighing Items
Other Livestock Items
General Items
Examples of items that can be applied for include solar powered electric fences, livestock monitoring cameras, mobile livestock handling systems, cattle crushes, rainwater harvesting equipment, shallow injection systems and direct drills to name but a few.
For a full list of the items available please see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/farming-equipment-and-technology-fund-round-1-manual/annex-3-eligible-items-specification-and-grant-amount
All items must be purchased new and free of finance. Items purchased must meet the specification set out by the RPA. For each item available a specified grant amount is available, regardless of the amount you pay for the item. The grant amount is set out to cover approximately 40% of the cost of the item. Please note all items purchased must be fully paid for prior to claiming the grant.
If you would like any further information on the scheme or help with an application please do not hesitate to contact Gemma on 07533340847 or gemma@blackdownconsulting.co.uk
2. The Farming Transformation Fund
The 'Water Management' element of this scheme opens today. This scheme is therefore open to arable and horticultural businesses who grow (or intend to grow) irrigated crops. Grants are available here to improve efficiency of irrigation systems and to secure infrastructure, like reservoirs for those that need it. The minimum grant available here is £35,000, with the maximum grant receiving £500,000. The closing date is here 12th January 2022.