22 Aug 2019

Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme deadline approaching

The deadline for farmers to apply for the new Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme is fast approaching – but there’s still plenty of money available.

The government-funded scheme is seen as a way for farmers to buy the equipment they need to improve and grow their farms. Farmers can receive grants for purchases which will help to either improve technical efficiency, animal health and welfare, resource efficiency, or nutrient management.

Any grant applied for covers 40% of the cost of purchase – or 50% in Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly - and farmers can apply for grants worth between £3,000 and £12,000.

The deadline for applications is at midday on Tuesday 3 September – and there is still plenty of time to apply. Although the scheme was open to farmers before it was significantly under-subscribed, meaning a much larger pot of money this time around.

Farmers who successfully applied in the first round of applications can apply again this time – but the total value of the applications must not exceed £12,000.

Seven types of equipment can be applied for: cattle equipment, sheep equipment, pig equipment, general livestock equipment, precision farming equipment, resource management equipment, and other general equipment. Once an application has been made and the deadline has passed, the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will contact farmers detailing whether they have been successful. If so, they can purchase the equipment they applied for and can then claim the money back afterwards.

To find out more about the scheme and to apply, click here

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