Farming businesses receive £21m boost under equipment scheme

The Rural Payments Agency notified successful applicants of their awards in late November and is now encouraging farmers to speak to their suppliers to confirm the items they wish to order are available before accepting their grant by using the acceptance portal by 18 January 2021, according to a statement.

Under the scheme, farmers applied for grants of between £3,000 and £12,000 to invest in new and innovative equipment – from livestock monitoring cameras to precision farming technology – which help businesses save time and money and improve productivity.

Applicants have until midnight on 31 May 2021 to buy and install all their items, and submit their claim for payment.

The deadline has been extended by two months to allow for potential delays caused by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

As the CPSG scheme closes, the government said that support for the investment in technology will continue as outlined in the Agricultural Transition Plan by setting out plans for the Farming Investment Fund.

The fund will provide targeted support to businesses so that they can invest in equipment, technology and infrastructure that will improve their productivity and deliver environmental and other public benefits.

“It’s great to see that funding for all the eligible applications is being made for round three of this popular scheme. I would encourage all our customers to contact their suppliers early to ensure their items can be delivered ahead of the claim deadline,” said Rural Payments Agency chief executive Paul Caldwell.

“Innovation and technology has real-life impact across the farming sector, so I’m delighted to be able to help unlock this potential for many farmers.”