The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme provides funding for farmers to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm. The scheme is different to other parts of the Countryside Productivity scheme as it uses an online application process and is targeted at supporting investment for specific pieces of agricultural equipment.
Who can apply
Farmers (including livestock, dairy, arable and horticultural sectors) can apply for this grant. Please read the handbook below to find out more. This scheme is only open to farmers based in England.
When you can apply
The scheme will be open to applications from 7 February 2018 to 14 March 2018 (Midday).
Eligible items
Please read the small handbook for the full list. Items include:
- Mobile Cattle Handling Systems
- Fixed Cattle Handling Systems
- Manual and Automatic Cattle Crushes
- Squeeze Crushes
- Head Scoop
- Electronic Weigh Systems
- Weigh Bars / Platforms
- Foot trimming add to Crushes
- Specialist Foot Trimming Crush
- Badger Proof Feed Troughs
- Auto Cattle Weighing Equipment
- Fixed Sheep Handling Systems
- Electronic Weigh Scales
- Sheep Handlers
- Fixed Handling Systems for Pigs
- Electronic Pig Weighing Facility
- EID Hand Held Devices
- EID Stick and Panel Readers
What happens next
Fill in your application form on line and sign up to the terms and conditions of the scheme. You will receive an email after the date that the funding round closes to let you know if your application has been approved. When you receive this email you can purchase your items. After you’ve purchased all your items, you can claim your money.
Government guarantees about funding after the UK leaves the EU
The government has guaranteed funding for RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme grants if these are agreed and signed before the UK’s departure from the EU, even if the grant agreements continue after we have left the EU. This is subject to projects meeting the following conditions when the application is assessed:
- they are good value for money
- they are in line with domestic strategic priorities
Additional information
For further information visit the gov.uk Countryside Protection Scheme Guidance Page or contact our sales team.
