Overview:

The Improving Farm Productivity Grant Round 2 in England is designed to enhance farm and horticulture productivity. It provides funding for various capital items, including robotic equipment, LED lighting, ventilation control units, and solar PV systems. The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) prioritises projects based on their potential to improve productivity, benefit the environment, introduce innovation, and address labour shortages.

Application Details:

In terms of farm productivity grant amounts, the minimum is £25,000, with a maximum of £500,000 per applicant business. For solar grants, the minimum is £15,000, reaching a maximum of £100,000 per applicant business. If applying for both, applicants need to submit two separate applications, with a combined maximum grant of £500,000.

There are funding limitations; applicants are required to cover remaining project costs through loans, overdrafts, or alternative sources. The grant strictly prohibits the use of other public money, such as local authorities' grant funding, for project costs. Additionally, the grant cannot be utilised for capital works required by other agreements.

The application closing date for this grant was 21 March 2024, at 11:59pm.

Eligibility:

Farmers and horticulturists in England, as well as contractors with a registered business address in England (excluding solar PV grant funding), can apply for the grant. Grant-funded assets must be located in England and, if mobile, stored in the country when not in use. Both landowners and tenant farmers are eligible to apply, with tenants responsible for obtaining necessary permissions from landlords.

However, certain entities are ineligible, including government departments, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, members of Producer Organisations under the Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme, and forestry businesses.

How can NFU Energy help?

Using our Renewable Energy Solutions service, we can help install your solar PV system by providing one-stop-shop access to our accredited list of renewable energy installers, finance and insurance, as well as support at every stage in your transition to renewable energy.