February proved to be informative, with significant details emerging regarding forthcoming agricultural grants for the year ahead.

Opening on 17 March and running until midday on 28 April, the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund will accept applications for the final time in its current format. This popular scheme enables farmers and contractors to access up to 50% grant funding for equipment aimed at improving slurry management, animal health and welfare, and overall productivity.

Applicants can claim a minimum of £1,000 up to £25,000 per category, allowing for a potential total of £75,000 per business. Previous rounds have seen a strong uptake, and the Armitstead Barnett team were proactive in helping farmers with both applications and claims. Many previously eligible items remain available, including silage pushers, slurry collectors, livestock housing ventilation systems, sheep and cattle handling equipment, and sheeted gates. These investments have been widely welcomed for their role in improving farm efficiency and profitability.

In June, the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI 2026) will open to smaller farms, ranging from 3 to 50 hectares, that are not currently enrolled in SFI or other agri-environment schemes, such as Mid Tier, Higher Tier, or HLS. The scheme will offer 71 actions, largely building on previous options, although some payments have been reduced. Moorland actions, however, have been simplified and increased in value.

We are proud to have supported numerous farm businesses in entering earlier schemes. Our approach to SFI focuses on integrating it effectively within existing farming operations, ensuring it delivers both environmental benefits and strong financial returns.

A further round of Capital Grants is expected in July. Whilst the budget will be larger than in previous rounds, demand is anticipated to be high, and funding may be allocated quickly. Farmers considering applications for projects such as boundary restoration (including walls and hedgerows) or infrastructure improvements to enhance water quality – such as concreting and roofing – are encouraged to prepare early. There is also hope that funding for educational visits will be included in this round.

In September, the SFI 2026 offer will extend to all farms. Greater clarity is expected regarding eligibility for those currently in agri-environment agreements, as previous restrictions prevented some from transitioning to higher-value SFI actions. As with earlier schemes, availability will be subject to budget constraints.

For any queries regarding current or new Grant Funding opportunities, please contact our team.