Nusrat Ghani, MP for Wealden, has welcomed the announcement that Wealden farmers and foresters will benefit from nearly £150,000 from the Government’s £31m Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF).
The Farming Equipment and Technology Fund provides funding to farming businesses so they can invest in the tools they need to improve sustainable production across agriculture, horticulture and forestry. Productivity and Slurry grants will specifically support the procurement of equipment and technology that will help farmers use fewer inputs, reduce emissions and cut waste.
Due to high demand from farmers, the original budget of £17 million has been increased to £31 million. This means more than 3,000 farmers and contractors, including those in Wealden are set to receive grants to invest in improving the sustainability of their farm businesses. Examples of successful applications include rainwater harvesting tanks to improve water security for farmers in the summer; tree shears to help stop the spread of pests and diseases; equipment to minimise grass contamination and ammonia emissions when spreading slurry.
Nusrat Ghani said: “Our world-leading farmers work tirelessly every day to keep the nation. Wealden farmers are the lifeblood of rural life, and I am pleased that they will be benefiting from this fund and receiving £148,276 to support more productive and sustainable farming practices to keep food on our plates whilst protecting our important landscapes and habitats. I welcome this package of support for British farming, which will help ensure that sector remains at the forefront of developing and adopting new technologies and techniques.”
