28.10.19
Government announce £22m investment into farmer productivity
More than 3,600 farmers have been successful in their applications for their share of a £22m funding pot, set up to provide productivity-boosting equipment from the government’s Countryside Productivity Small Grants scheme.
Farming minister, George Eustice confirmed today that 3,677 applications have been approved as part of round two of the scheme, and will be written to by the Rural Payments Agency from today.
Between £3,000 and £12,000 will be available under the scheme for individual farmers in order to invest in cutting-edge equipment designed to save businesses time and money and boost productivity.
Equipment includes livestock monitoring cameras, technology to minimise soil compaction in fields, ammonia level monitoring and precision farming technology.
The first round of funding opened in 2018 and saw £15m spent on supporting farmers using technology to boost their productivity, pushing the running total allocated to £37m, with a third and final funding round to open in autumn 2020.
Farming Minister George Eustice said:
“Boosting farm productivity is hugely important, and I’m delighted we’ve been able to fund all applications, supporting farmers to invest in game-changing technology.”
“As a former farmer I know that new equipment can provide a real boost, saving businesses time and money while improving yields.”
“When we introduce our landmark Agriculture Bill we will set out further measures to help farmers become more productive, efficient and resilient.”
Farmers are being encouraged to confirm the items they wish to order with their supplies before accepting their grant, using the acceptance portal on the Government website.
Rural Payments Agency Chief Executive Paul Caldwell said:
“The Small Grants scheme is extremely popular with farmers, so it is fantastic to see the funding is being made available for all the eligible applications we received for round two. Harnessing innovative technology can provide a real boost for productivity across the farming sector in England, and I am delighted that we are able to help unlock access to new equipment for many farmers.”