Access farming grants and capital funding

Several government grant programmes help farmers in England invest in equipment, technology, and infrastructure. These capital grants are separate from the Environmental Land Management (ELM) revenue schemes and can often be combined with them.

Grant programmes open and close throughout the year in funding rounds. Before starting an application, check GOV.UK for current rounds and deadlines. Do not purchase equipment or start works before you receive a grant agreement.

Equipment and technology grants

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is the most accessible capital grant for working farms. It covers a wide range of equipment at 40% or 50% of cost depending on the item and theme (Slurry and Animal Health and Welfare items are funded at a flat 50%; Productivity items at 40% or 50%), up to £25,000 per theme (up to £75,000 across the three themes - Productivity, Slurry, and Animal Health and Welfare), with a straightforward online application through the Rural Payments portal. The £50 million FETF 2026 round ran from 17 March to 12 May 2026 and is now closed - check GOV.UK for future rounds.

Emergency recovery funding

The Farming Recovery Fund is not a standing scheme. It is activated by government only in response to specific severe weather events or emergencies. If your farm has suffered flood or storm damage, check GOV.UK for whether the fund has been opened for your area.

Countryside Productivity Grants (closed)

This scheme closed in 2021 and has been replaced by the Farming Investment Fund. If you held a Countryside Productivity grant agreement, it continues to be honoured. For new applications, use the schemes above.

Choosing the right grant

The grant you need depends on what you are investing in:

• Individual equipment items (up to £25,000 per theme): Apply through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund when a round is open
• Larger infrastructure projects (up to £250,000): Check the Farming Investment Fund for relevant themes such as the Slurry Infrastructure Grant or Adding Value Grant
• Flood or storm damage repairs: Check whether the Farming Recovery Fund has been activated for your area
• Environmental infrastructure (fencing, ponds, hedgerows): Countryside Stewardship Capital Grants may be more appropriate

You can hold multiple grant agreements at the same time, provided you are not claiming for the same item or work twice.