Defra Farming Technology Fund for farmers and growers

This page gives an overview of the Farming Technology grant funds available from Defra for farmers, foresters, growers and contractors for investing in new technology, equipment and infrastructure. Agri-TechE can help identify technologies and research partners for any of the calls below; please get in touch with us for more info.

 

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Farming Investment Fund (FIF)

The Farming Investment Fund (FIF) provides grants to improve productivity, animal health and welfare and bring environmental benefits. FIF is made up of multiple funds:

• Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (for grants between £1,000 and £25,000) Opening 17 March 2026
• Water Management grant
• Slurry Infrastructure grant
• Adding Value grant
• Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant
• Improving Farm Productivity grant
• Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare grant

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Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)

The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (for grants between £1,000 and £25,000) provides grants for equipment and technology that supports improvements in productivity, slurry management and animal health and welfare.

The fund will open on 17th March 2026. 

How to apply

You can apply for each of the 3 themes: Productivity, Slurry and Animal Health and Welfare (AHW).

You can only submit one application for each theme. Each application must be for between £1,000 and £25,000. The details of the three themes and items and specifications can be found on the government website. You can apply from 17 March 2026.

Grant to improve productivity 

Summary:

This grant provides smaller value grants towards the cost of a prescribed list of items. This supports the purchase of specific equipment, technology, and small infrastructure investments aimed at making an immediate difference to farm performance, including investments that will help farmers use less inputs, reduce emissions, and cut waste.  See the 2026 items here.

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Grant to improve animal health and welfare

Summary:

These grants will go towards the cost of items on a list which improve the health and welfare of livestock. See the 2026 items here.

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Grant to improve slurry management 

Summary:

This grant provides smaller value grants towards the cost of a prescribed list of items to help farmers manage their slurry better and reduce pollution of water and air. See the 2026 items here.

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Farming Transformation Fund (FTF)

This fund provides grants (for grants between £25,000 and £500,000) towards large capital items to help businesses improve productivity, profitability, animal health and welfare and environmental sustainability. There are 5 grants: Calf Housing for Health and Welfare, Water Management, Slurry Infrastructure, Adding Value, Improving Farm Productivity

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Funding for Livestock Farmers

SFI annual health and welfare review 

Summary:

Farmers who keep cattle, sheep and pigs can get funding to pay for a vet to visit their farm and carry out a health and welfare review of their livestock. To be eligible to apply, you must have one of the following: 

• 11 or more beef cattle 
• 11 or more dairy cattle 
• 21 or more sheep 
• 51 or more pigs 

How much you can apply for:

• £684 for a pig review 
• £436 for a sheep review 
• £522 for a beef cattle review 
• £372 for a dairy cattle review 

Dates to note:

You can apply now. Full information is on the Government’s website.

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Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare

Summary:

The grant will fund laying hen and pullet farmers to refurbish or replace (with new) existing laying hen and pullet housing. This will include specific funding to retrofit verandas onto existing buildings. The grant aims to improve poultry health and welfare and support innovation, productivity and environmental sustainability. Funding will also be available for installing rooftop solar panels on funded housing. 

How much you can apply for:

Between £5,000 and £500,000.

Dates to note:

It is not currently open to apply for new applicants. There are multiple application windows, so keep an eye open for the next round.

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Cattle Housing for Health and Welfare

Summary:

The grant will fund upgrades to housing for cattle aged 6 months+, to improve cattle health and welfare and support innovation, productivity and environmental sustainability. 

How much you can apply for:

£15,000-£500,000

Dates to note: 

It is not currently open to apply for new applicants. There are multiple application windows, so keep an eye open for the next round.

 

You can see other open funding calls in our Funding Finder.