Defra closes Farming Equipment and Technology Fund for 2024

With only a month to go for farmers to make their claims under the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) in England, the farming community has expressed disappointment that Rounds 2 and 3 still have not been opened.

Now Defra has confirmed that no new rounds will be opened in 2024, but urged those with existing grant agreement to submit their claims before the deadline on 10 January 2025, which remains open.

The decision to close the FETF for 2024 has dealt a further blow to English farmers after 76 items on the capital grant offer were temporarily closed to new applications amid growing budget pressures at central government.

See also: Defra pauses new capital grant scheme offers

Tom Cooper, a land agent and chartered surveyor who runs Cooper Rural, based in Doncaster, said the FETF had been very popular, for example, with his arable farming clients who had been using it to get up to 60% off the cost of buying new direct drills.

“The expectation was that we would have three application rounds this year, but Defra only opened one round in early spring,” he said.

“They are gradually shutting down all the grants or placing them under review. It feels like death by 1,000 cuts.”

The NFU has urged people with existing grant agreement to ensure their claims are correct, include all of the necessary evidence and are submitted in good time.

Three key areas

The FETF, a cornerstone of Defra’s support for English farmers, offered grants across three key areas: improving productivity, slurry management, and animal health and welfare.

Eligible businesses could apply for up to £125,000 in total, with individual grants capped at £50,000 for productivity and slurry items, and £25,000 for animal health and welfare.

Defra defended the decision to close the FETF for 2024, highlighting the government’s £5bn farming budget over the next two years for England and its commitment to sustainable food production and environmental recovery.

“Grant schemes will be prioritised to deliver the most benefit to build a sustainable farming sector. Further details will be shared in the new year,” said a Defra spokesperson.