Farmers invited to apply for £25 million in grant funding

More than £25 million in grant funding is now available for farmers seeking to boost their productivity.

The scheme, known as the Countryside Productivity Small Grants (CPSG) initiative, could help agricultural businesses purchase farming equipment and adopt technology to boost output.

Now into its third and final round, farmers can apply for grants of between £3,000 and £12,000 to buy “new and innovative equipment” capable of saving time and money and boosting productivity.

According to the report, successful projects have so far included grants for devices designed to help minimise soil compaction in fields, monitor ammonia levels in farm buildings, and increase machinery precision when applying slurry.

Notably, farmers who have already claimed funding under the scheme can apply again to purchase different pieces of equipment. However, total funding is limited to a maximum of £12,000 per farmer across all applications.

Inviting farmers to apply for funding, Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said: “Helping our farmers to boost their productivity is absolutely essential, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to make £25 million in grants available to farmers to invest in the latest technology.

“Coming from a farming family, I have experienced first-hand the benefits that having innovative equipment can bring, including saving businesses time and money while improving yields and minimising the impact we have on the environment around us.”

Rural Payments Agency Chief Executive Paul Caldwell added: “It’s fantastic to be able to announce a third round of the ever-popular Small Grants scheme. Having access to game-changing innovative technology can make a real difference to farmers and help boost the productivity of the whole farming sector in England.

“I would encourage all our customers to consider how this offer may benefit their business or help them to prepare for their future farming and apply for a small grant.”

To find out more about the Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme, please click here.

For help and advice applying for grant funding, please get in touch with our expert team today.