DEFRA has unveiled a &60m grant scheme to help farmers in England fund purchases of new equipment. Offering grants between &3,000 and &12,000, the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme is now open to bids.

Targeted at supporting investment for specific pieces of agricultural equipment, successful applicants will get 40% of the value of eligible items. Eligible items available are broken down into the following categories:

• Cattle, Sheep and Pig specific Equipment
• General livestock equipment
• Precision farming equipment
• Resource management and efficiency equipment
• Other general equipment

Applications are made through a straightforward online application portal; early application is advised as the scheme is likely to prove popular. Further information regarding the scheme can be found here

For further information contact Charity Shaw on 01858 411230 or email here