England’s farmers and growers are being invited to apply for government funding to invest in cutting edge robotics and technology which have the potential to boost food production.
Through the Improving Farm Productivity Fund, grants ranging from £35,000 to £500,000 are available to invest in productivity-boosting equipment such as driverless tractors, robots that harvest, weed and spray crops and automated milking systems.
The new £25 million scheme is the latest instalment of the Farming Investment Fund – an overarching programme that opened in November 2021 to increase productivity on farms.
Farmers and agricultural contractors may apply. Projects must be based in England, with estimated costs of more than £87,500.
Farming Minister Victoria Prentis said:
'We know how important it is for farmers to identify opportunities that maximise productivity and yields. These grants are aimed at contributing towards the purchase of new and green equipment that can bring a positive change to the day to day operation of a farm, as well as the wider environment.'
Applications for the Improving Farm Productivity Fund are open until 16 March 2022.
