We recently blogged to introduce Animal Health and Welfare grants.
These grants, of between £1,000 and £25,000, go towards the cost of items from a list which are designed to improve the health and welfare of your livestock.
We're very pleased to say that the window for this first round is now open. It will remain open for 12 weeks. The deadline is 15 June at midday.
In this post, we'll share more about the grant, why you might want to consider it and how to apply.
Support that makes a real difference for animals and for farmers
These grants are offered through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. They represent the next step on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway. Just like other parts of the Pathway, it has been developed through careful co-design with farmers, academics, vets and industry groups.
So, if you are a livestock farmer who keeps cattle, pigs, sheep, broiler chickens or laying hens, this is a great opportunity to get some funding towards the cost of items that will help improve the health and welfare of your livestock.
Not only is that good for the animals, it's a way to improve both productivity and profitability.
John Reed, a livestock farmer, non-executive director of Avara Foods and member of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England, chaired the co-design group that developed the list of items. He shared some thoughts about the process.
I am pleased that after a year of co-designing the Animal Health and Welfare Grants Programme has come to fruition. Industry, Defra, vets, farmers and academics all came together to ensure a suitable list of grant items could be made available to farmers. This process needed to be more than a “wish list” so we drew evidence from academic sources and practical experience.
The list announced includes items that farmers will find useful for their businesses and help to improve the health and welfare of their animals. We know there was a lot of interest in this scheme, and inevitably there is a limit to how many items can be included but there is still a strong list to choose from.
This is a great way to start your journey on the Pathway. I hope that farmers will fully engage by taking up this opportunity and also feeding back suggestions for the future.
This close work with our partners has produced a wide and varied list. With over 100 items on offer, (many of which are new for this round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund), this presents a great opportunity for farmers. John told us:
The grant funding specifically targets animal health and welfare but should also bring productivity and environmental benefits for the farmer. This is a great opportunity to fund some of the changes that farmers want to make, although realistically it will not cover everything farmers want to do. As exciting technological solutions continue to develop, we would be pleased to receive any ideas about what to include in the future.
I am particularly pleased that support for broilers and egg layers is now available through the Pathway for the first time, with an offering that many will find useful. Poultry keepers should be sure to look at the general livestock list as well, as they will find useful items for poultry in there too.
Before you apply
If you’re interested in the grant, take a look at the list of eligible items and consider having a chat with your vet. They'll be able to offer advice on the items which best address the specific health and welfare challenges on your farm.
Before making an application, read the official grant guidance on GOV.UK. It sets out the eligibility criteria and the steps you need to follow.
How to apply
Once you are ready to make an application, you can can apply through the online portal.
We will offer Animal Health and Welfare grants every year throughout the Agricultural Transition.
We will keep the feasibility of further application windows in 2023/2024 under review as we assess levels of demand. We'll publish information about future rounds in the summer.
Don't forget that applications for the Productivity and Slurry theme of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) will close on 4 April. So, make sure you submit your application in time.
7 comments
Comment by Guy MacNaughton posted on
As exciting technological solutions continue to develop, we would be pleased to receive any ideas about what to include in the future.
How do we submit ideas? There was no email address/telephone number.
Comment by JOHN BEALE posted on
GRANT FOR VETS VISTS
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi John,
Guidance for The Annual Health and Welfare Review (yearly vet visit) can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/sfi-annual-health-and-welfare-review
And here's the page to apply: https://apply-for-an-annual-health-and-welfare-review.defra.gov.uk/apply/start
Best wishes,
Sarah
Comment by Equip4 Vets posted on
Really great information and its helpful, Thanks for sharing!
Comment by david nash posted on
is this grant available in wales thank you david
Comment by Sarah Stewart posted on
Hi David,
I'm afraid these grants are only available to those who farm in England. I had a quick look online for grants in Wales that support animal health and welfare and found the following:
1. Gwaredu Scab’s services - from diagnosis to treatment of sheep scab - are available free of charge to farmers. More information can be found here: https://ahww.cymru/home/
2. The Small Grants scheme might be worth checking out: https://www.gov.wales/small-grants-efficiency-general-rules-booklet-update-html#:~:text=The%20Small%20Grants%20%2D%20Efficiency%20scheme,performance%20of%20their%20farm%20businesses
In January, the Welsh government shared plans to test out vet visits: https://www.gov.wales/vets-and-farmers-working-together-animal-health-pilot-scheme so that's one thing to look out for.
I hope that helps,
Sarah
Comment by david posted on
thanks Sarah i will have to move to England