DEFRA has today opened the Improving Farm Productivity grant. Applicants should use the online eligibility checker that is open from Wednesday 19th January until 16 March 2022.

This is a competitive scheme with applications being scored before being invited to submit a full application, closing on 14 September 2022. An example of the scoring system might include equipment run off electric or renewable energy being prioritised over conventional diesel powered equipment.
 
If the project requires planning permission, the development will need to be approved by 31 December 2022. 
 
Grants will be awarded for ‘improving farm productivity’ that will pay 40% of the costs for capital items to improve farm and horticulture productivity under two strands:

• Robotic or autonomous equipment and systems designed to aid crop and livestock production.  

• Slurry acidification equipment (to improve nutrient management and reduce ammonia emissions).

 
The grant will support applications from £35,000 (40% of £87,500) to a maximum of £500,000 per applicant.
 
The Adding Value Fund is due to be released later this year, which is the third and final round under the Farming Transformation Fund.