Funding update

Funding

Grants in England have been announced:

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is open for applications from 17 March-28 April 2026. Farmers and contractors can apply for grants to invest in new farming technology and equipment. £20 million for farm productivity, £20 million for animal health and welfare, £10 million for slurry management. Grants range from £1000-£25,000 per theme to a max combined total of £75,000.

Capital grants: opens in July with a funding increase to £225 million for 2026.

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). The headlines that I expect will affect our LENs farmers:

• Maximum funding per farm per year capped at £100,000
• 25% of total farm area cap for 10 actions -eg extended stubbles.
• In June, small farms and farms without agri envn funding will be able to apply.In September, all farms can apply until funds run out.
• Rates have decreased for herbal leys, winter bird food and legume fallow.
• Total number of actions has been reduced to 71 with no new actions. The below is a list of actions that have been removed. Actions in black are ones we hope to include as LENs measure next year:
  • Assess soil, test soil OM and produce a management plan
  • Multi species spring sown cover crop
  • Winter cover crops following maize
  • Non mechanical robotic weeding
  • Assess nutrient management and produce a review report
  • Assess integrated pest management and produce a plan
  • Bumblebird mix
  • Nil fertiliser supplement
  • Manage grassland to reduce nutrient levels/adjacent to watercourse
  • Assess and record hedgerow condition
  • Maintain or establish hedgerow trees
  • Buffer in field ponds
  • Protect in field trees.