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The final Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026 is opening 17th March 2026 

Tue 24 Feb 2026

Defra has confirmed that guidance is now available for the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2026, giving farmers time to prepare before applications open.

The fund provides capital grants to help farm businesses invest in equipment and technology that improves productivity, animal health and welfare, and slurry management.

This will close at midday on 28th April 2026. The fund remains competitive, so preparation ahead of time is important. 

How much funding is available?

A total of £50 million is available under FETF 2026, split across three themes:

  • £20 million – Farm productivity
  • £20 million – Animal health and welfare
  • £10 million – Slurry management

Grant size and limits

  • Grants range from £1,000 to £25,000 per theme
  • You can apply under more than one theme
  • The maximum total funding per business is £75,000
  • Grants pay a percentage of the item cost, which varies by item 

What can the grant be used for?

FETF 2026 supports 290 approved items, all listed in the official guidance. These are designed to cut costs, improve efficiency and strengthen farm profitability.

Farm productivity

There are 70 productivity items available, including new additions such as:

  • Weed wipers that apply herbicide only to taller weeds
  • Rainwater harvesting tanks for on‑farm water storage
  • Camera‑guided inter‑row sprayers to reduce chemical use
  • Robotic silage pushers to improve feed access and reduce waste

Animal health and welfare

Funding is available for equipment that improves livestock health, welfare and handling efficiency. Items include:

  • Ventilation equipment
  • Biosecurity equipment

Eligibility depends on the type of livestock farmed and the specific items chosen. 

Slurry management

Grants are available for equipment that improves slurry handling and nutrient management, helping farms meet regulatory requirements and reduce environmental risk. Items include:

  • Flow-rate monitoring equipment
  • Low-emission spreading equipment

Defra confirms that FETF 2026 will be the final standalone round of the scheme in its current format.

From 2027 onwards, Defra plans to:

  • Combine the strongest elements of existing grant schemes
  • Simplify the application process
  • Target funding more effectively 

If you are interested in exploring if the FETF grant can benefit your business, please get in touch with Abi Saunders on 07930 592030 or email [email protected] without delay. 

Listen to Abi discuss this and all 2026 grant funding in detail with Steve Orchard in Episode 36 on The Farming Show around 15 minutes in to the programme.