Farming Equipment and Technology Fund open date confirmed
© Tim Scrivener The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025 will open for applications on 29 May, offering grants to commercial livestock farmers in England to enhance livestock health and welfare.
Applications will close at 12pm on 10 July.
The grants, which range from £1,000 to £25,000, can be used for more than 100 equipment and technology items, including livestock handling equipment, sealed water tanks for biosecurity, and automated monitoring systems for poultry housing.
The aim is to improve the health and welfare of livestock, which can lead to long-term productivity benefits for farmers.
See also: Free on-farm vet visits help to secure equipment grants
Defra is hosting a free webinar at 1pm tomorrow (21 May) to provide further insights into the fund and application process.
The fund is part of Defra’s wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, and farmers are encouraged to discuss their applications with vets to ensure the chosen equipment will effectively address health and welfare challenges on their farms.
To apply, farmers should read the latest guidance on the government’s website, which includes a full list of eligible items and information on how to submit applications.
With a competitive budget, early preparation is key. Applicants are advised to submit their applications as soon as possible within the available window.
Defra secretary Steve Reed announced this further application window for the popular FETF at the NFU conference in London in February.
Alongside £30m for grants toward improving slurry management and driving innovation on farm, £16.7m is available for the pathway’s animal health and welfare equipment and technology grant.