Agriculture & Farming

Access farming grants and capital funding

How to find and apply for government capital grants covering farm equipment, technology, infrastructure, and emergency recovery. Covers the Farming Investment Fund, Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, Farming Recovery Fund, and the closed Countryside Productivity scheme. Grant programmes change frequently so always check GOV.UK for current application rounds.

UK-wide
Guide summary

Check GOV.UK for open grant rounds before applying. You can get funding for farm equipment, technology, and infrastructure. Do not buy anything before receiving a grant agreement. Emergency funding is only available after severe weather events.

  • Check GOV.UK for current grant rounds and deadlines
  • Apply through the Rural Payments portal for equipment grants
  • Do not purchase items before receiving a grant agreement
  • Grants cover 50% of costs for equipment (up to £25,000)
  • Minimum spend £2,000 to qualify for a grant
  • Emergency funding available only after severe weather events
  • Eligible items include livestock equipment, slurry management, and productivity tools
  • Keep quotes and invoices for your application
  • Submit claims within the deadline in your grant agreement
  • Combine grants with Environmental Land Management schemes
On this page
UK-wide

Related guides in Grants & 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.

Never buy items or start construction before receiving your grant agreement. Purchases made before the agreement date are not eligible for reimbursement.

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 50% of cost, 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.

Related guides on this site

  1. 1

    Check which grants are currently open

    Visit GOV.UK funding for farmers page to see which grant rounds are accepting applications. Bookmark it and check regularly as new rounds open throughout the year.

  2. 2

    Confirm your eligibility

    You will need a County Parish Holding (CPH) number and a Single Business Identifier (SBI) registered in England. Most grants require you to be a farmer, forester, grower, or agricultural contractor.

  3. 3

    Identify what you need funding for

    List the equipment, technology, or infrastructure you want to invest in. Match each item against the relevant grant scheme and check it appears on the published eligible items list.

  4. 4

    Obtain quotes before applying

    Get quotes for all items or works you plan to include in your application. Do not purchase or commit to buying anything until you receive a grant agreement.

  5. 5

    Submit your application through the Rural Payments portal

    Apply online when the relevant funding round is open. Include your quotes and business details. Allow time for processing.

  6. 6

    Accept your grant agreement and complete the work

    If successful, you will receive a grant agreement with a deadline for purchasing items and submitting your claim. Buy the items, keep all invoices, and submit your claim with evidence before the deadline.