Applications are now open for the second round of the Improving Farm Productivity Grant

Applications are now open for the second round of the Improving Farm Productivity grant, and the deadline for accessing the online checker, the first part of the application process is 21st March 2024.

Part of the Farming Investment Fund, the Improving Farm Productivity grant is open to farmers, growers and related contractors. It will pay for capital items to improve farm and horticulture productivity through: 

• the use of robotic and automated equipment and systems to aid crop and livestock production – up to 50% funded
• the installation of solar equipment to increase both energy resilience and the take-up of renewable energy generation on farms – up to 25% funded

For robotic and automated equipment, the minimum grant available is £25,000 and the maximum grant available is £500,000. The grant will now cover up to 50% of the cost.  

For solar equipment, the minimum grant available is £15,000 and the maximum grant available is £100,000. The grant will cover up to 25% of the cost. 

You can apply for both automated and robotic equipment and solar equipment, however your maximum grant amount still cannot exceed £500,000 in total for both applications together. 

The grant is open to horticultural and farm businesses. Contractors from those sectors are eligible to apply for grants towards the purchase of robotic and automated equipment, but not solar equipment. 

How to apply  

As was the case in the first round, there is a 2-step application process for this round.    

Start by reading the Improving Farm Productivity grant guidance (Round 2) on GOV.UK.

1. Online checker 

The process starts with an online eligibility checker.

The checker is designed to determine your eligibility and whether your project fits the funding priorities. It has two separate journeys: one for robotic and automated equipment and another for solar equipment.  

If you are eligible to apply for the grant following completion of the eligibility checker you will then be invited to make a full application.

The checker is now live, and it will remain open for 8 weeks. To access the online checker, click here.

The deadline to use the checker is 21 March at 23:59.

2. Full application

Those invited to make a full application have until 30 June 2025 to do so. 

Before you submit your full application, depending on the nature of your project, you may need to secure planning permission. 

If you require any assistance with the application process, or have any questions about this grant funding, please don’t hesitate to contact us.