The first phase of a new countryside productivity scheme is now open to farmers with £5m of funding on the table to enable producers to “access the best new technology” says UK farming minister, George Eustice.
The scheme, which has an application deadline of June 30, offers a range of grants, with small businesses invited to apply for up to £35,000 per business while larger projects could secure up to £1m per business.
The government says the money can be used to invest in “improved infrastructure and ground-breaking new technology”.
“We want the UK farming industry to be the best in the world and this funding is an important boost for farms looking to invest for the future,” said the minister.
“From installing new efficient lighting to crop robotics, this new funding will ensure that the UK farming sector can become more productive and competitive than ever.”
Among the project examples given for different sectors, the scheme lists funding opportunities for all livestock producers to invest in animal productivity, health and welfare developments.
The areas highlighted for non-intensive pig units’ include possible investments in air scrubbers and heat exchanges and LED lighting.