Government Unveils Ambitious £50M Fund to Revolutionize Farming Tech

Image Credit: Defra

Farmers in England are set to reap the rewards of a bold new £50m grant initiative designed to promote innovative technologies that boost productivity and profits.

This England-exclusive program empowers farmers to embrace cutting-edge tech, from seed-planting robots to pesticide spreaders and slurry separator systems that reduce reliance on costly fertilisers. The goal? To help farmers slash costs, increase efficiency, and improve their sustainability game.

A key player in this funding push is Defra’s £46.7 million Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), which will offer farmers grants of up to £25,000. These funds will be channelled into everyday equipment, targeting productivity gains, better slurry management, and animal health and welfare improvements.

But that’s not all. The government is taking it further by launching a £5 million Investor Partnerships programme, announced on 7 May. This exciting new initiative blends public grants with private investment, speeding up the path to market for the latest agricultural technologies. The aim? To give farmers faster access to the most innovative solutions available.

A successful pilot program has already proven the value of these grants. One project, for example, introduced high-yield broccoli harvesters that cut the need for seasonal labour. Another company utilised a new seed-cleaning tech to accelerate crop growth without relying on chemicals.

Farming minister Daniel Zeichner said: “These grants will help provide our farmers with the equipment necessary to adapt, compete, and grow no matter what challenges lie ahead.

"Equipment and technology help drive farming forward, and we will work with investors to fund more resilient, sustainable farms, boosting profitability, productivity and food security."

Today’s announcement builds on previous initiatives—including last month’s £45.6 million fund—to support the development of groundbreaking agricultural inventions and technologies. It’s clear: innovation is the future of farming, and the government is all in.