New Defra list of grants shows slurry store support on way

Farmers in England will be able to apply for new slurry infrastructure grants from autumn 2022 as part of an expanded Farming Investment Fund (FIF).

The funding is expected to be open to all livestock farmers in England who currently have a slurry system in place.

Full details are to be confirmed, but Defra is likely to offer grant contributions towards slurry store covers and covered store construction projects that help to ensure farmers have six months of storage capacity.

See also: Read the latest from Farmers Weekly on grants and schemes

Defra had intended to introduce a standalone Slurry Investment Scheme, but has since decided it will be better for farmers if the majority of slurry grants are found in one place.

It already offers funding for low emission spreaders and separators through the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund, part of the FIF.

Funding for Farmers list

The slurry infrastructure grant is one of several new potential funding sources from Defra.

To help farmers navigate their way through the various schemes on offer, the government has produced a list that breaks down what funding is or will be available according to the following themes:

• Environmental land management funding
• Trees, animal health, slurry and protected landscape funding
• Innovation, technology, research and development funding
• Joining farming
• Leaving farming

For example, farmers wanting to focus on delivering clean water and air are encouraged to look at the Sustainable Farming Incentive.

However, where the priority is managing habitats, woodlands and flood risk, then the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is likely to be more appropriate.

Farmers looking for financial support for innovation and development are guided to the FIF, along with the Industry-led Research and Development Partnerships Fund.

Defra’s Funding for farmers list