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Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs

More time to apply for farming equipment and technology 

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 29 April 2026 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
A direct drill, red in colour situated in farm building with grey floors and walls

You now have until midday on Tuesday 12 May to apply for a grant through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), giving you more time to complete an existing application or start a new one.

Read more of More time to apply for farming equipment and technology 

Equipment and technology funding: deadline reminder

Posted by: The Team, Posted on: 14 April 2026 - Categories: Payments for equipment, technology and infrastructure
A metal lamb feeder with feed bars and wheels sits beside a dirt track, with open grassy fields and a hedgerow in the background.

FETF 2026 offers funding to support investment in equipment and technology across productivity, animal health and welfare, and slurry management. The window to apply closes at midday on 28 April 2026.

Read more of Equipment and technology funding: deadline reminder

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Helping farmers access water this autumn

The Environment Agency is giving farmers greater flexibility by letting existing abstraction licence holders start refilling their water storage reservoirs early, a month ahead of usual schedule. This temporary change runs from 1 October to 31 October. 

We recognise the difficulty in getting a long duration abstraction licence and the blocker this presents to long-term investment in sustainable abstraction practices.

As part of the package announced on 1 October to support farmers to access water, the Environment Agency have made it easier for those who don’t currently have an abstraction license to apply for licences that better support long-term investment. 

Full details of the changes and information on how to be compliant can be found on the Environment Agency blog.

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The Farming Advice Service (FAS) provides free, confidential advice to farmers and advisers.

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Storing fertiliser safely

If you are ordering fertiliser for the coming season, check that it can be stored safely and securely before delivery. The action you need to take depends on the type and quantity of fertiliser.

Follow the relevant guidance to protect people, prevent contamination or deterioration, and meet the rules for storing ammonium nitrate and other substances.

Read the AIC’s guide to storing, handling & transporting ammonium nitrate and the HSE’s steps to take.

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The main livestock diseases affecting farms in England, with links to guidance.

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