We know how tough it’s been to plan ahead with rising costs and unpredictable support schemes. But the good news is the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) is back for 2025 and it’s open for applications right now.
Whether you’re looking to invest in precision kit, tackle slurry storage, or improve animal health on your farm, FETF 2025 could be the boost your business needs. In this blog, we’ll break down what the fund offers, who can apply, and how we at Peregrine can help you secure the equipment you need – even if the grant doesn’t cover the full cost.
What is the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF)?
The FETF is part of the UK government’s commitment to modernise agriculture, improve environmental outcomes, and increase farm productivity. It’s a competitive grant scheme, meaning funding is awarded to top-scoring applications. You may not get all – or any – of what you apply for, but it’s a valuable opportunity worth exploring.
What Can You Apply For?
There are three themes within FETF 2025. Each theme has its own list of eligible items, from high-tech equipment to animal handling systems. Here’s a quick overview:
- Productivity: direct drills, robotic sprayers, GPS guidance kits, variable rate controllers
- Slurry: low-emission spreading equipment, storage tank monitors, umbilical systems
- Animal Health and Welfare: mobile sheep handling systems, weigh crates, thermal imaging kits for pig health
You can apply for one, two, or all three – so long as each application meets the specific eligibility criteria and supports different aspects of your business.
Grants cover 40% or 50% of the item’s cost, depending on whether your purchase meets or exceeds the government’s average cost benchmark. All items must be new or ex-display, meet strict specifications, and be used on the farm or business named in the application.
What If the Fund Doesn’t Cover the Full Cost?
FETF may not pay for everything, but that’s where we come in.
At Peregrine, we know how frustrating it can be to plan big upgrades with only part of the funding in place. That’s why we offer flexible, agricultural finance to support your project alongside your FETF grant.
Whether you need to finance a precision drill or fund the full package around a slurry system upgrade, we tailor solutions that work for your business model, your timing, and your cash flow.
Who Can Apply for the FETF?
You can apply if you’re registered in England and are one of the following:
- A farmer
- A horticulturalist
- A forestry owner
- A contractor carrying out services for the above
If you’re applying for the Animal Health and Welfare theme, you must farm one of the following: beef or dairy cattle, pigs, sheep, or commercial poultry.
You must also be registered with the Rural Payments service and apply under the correct Single Business Identifier (SBI). If you’re involved in more than one business, RPA may cap your funding across applications that share the same VAT or Companies House number.
How to Apply
The FETF 2025 application window is open now and closes at midday on 10 July 2025.
Here’s a quick step-by-step:
- Choose your items from the FETF 2025 item lists
- Get quotes from suppliers (but don’t order anything yet)
- Register or update your details with the Rural Payments service
- Apply online through the Farming Investment Fund portal
Remember, you can submit one application per theme, and each one must be between £1,000 and £25,000 in value.
Peregrine, Your Trusted Financial Partner for FETF Projects
We don’t submit your FETF application but we know the finance side works for you and your business.
We offer finance support to help you fund the complete project if the grant only covers part of the cost. We monitor changes in each funding round so we can offer the most suitable finance options, tailored to the type of equipment you’re investing in.
Ready to Start Your Application? Let’s Talk
If you’re applying for an FETF 2025 grant and want finance that complements your plans – not complicates them – we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us online now or give us a ring instead. We’ll talk you through the options, no pressure.
