FETF grant deadline:
What Yorkshire rural businesses need to know

If you’re planning to invest in your farm this year, there are a few important dates coming up that are worth having on your radar.

At the top of the list is the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF), with the application window closing on 28 April. 

For many farming businesses across Yorkshire, this is a practical opportunity to secure funding towards equipment and improvements that can make a real difference to efficiency, animal welfare and long term productivity.

Below, we break down what the fund offers, why it matters, and the other key rural funding deadlines to keep in mind over the coming months.

What is the FETF grant?

The FETF is a government-backed scheme designed to help farming businesses invest in equipment and technology that improves how they operate day to day.

The fund is split into three key areas:

• Slurry management
• Animal health and welfare
• Farm productivity 

Grants range from £1,000 up to £25,000, depending on the type of investment.

In simple terms, it’s there to help you upgrade, improve and future-proof your business with financial support behind you.

Why it matters for Yorkshire farming businesses

Across Yorkshire, we work with a wide range of farming and rural businesses, and one thing is consistent. Margins are tight, costs are rising, and every investment decision needs to count.

That’s where this grant can really help.

Whether you’re:

• Improving efficiency to manage rising input costs
• Investing in animal welfare to meet standards and expectations
• Upgrading equipment to save time and labour 

The FETF can ease the financial pressure and make those decisions more achievable.

What can you apply for?

While each theme has its own eligible items, typical investments might include:

• Slurry handling and storage improvements
• Livestock monitoring or welfare equipment
• Precision farming tools and productivity upgrades 

If you already have planned investments in mind, it’s well worth checking if they fall within the scheme. 

We know that applying for grants can often be tricky, with there sometimes being a requirement to have 'spent' the capital before applying - creating a challenging situation for those without the cashflow to cover these costs up front. Business Finance can sometimes be a useful addition here in order to acquire the upgrades first, or top up the full amount when a grant isn't sufficient to cover all costs. 

Key dates for your diary

It’s not just the FETF deadline approaching. There are several important dates across England and Scotland that may affect your plans, claims or applications.

Here’s a simple overview to keep handy:

Even if some schemes don’t apply directly to your business, it’s useful to plan ahead, especially if you operate across regions or are considering future applications.

How we can support your application

At Fortus, we work closely with farming and rural businesses across Yorkshire, and we know that grant applications are not just about filling in a form.

A strong application often comes down to having clear, well-prepared financials behind it.

We can support you with:

• Cashflow projections to demonstrate affordability and impact
• Financial information required as part of the application
• A practical sounding board to sense check whether it’s the right move
• Funding gaps in the grant application process

Because we bring together expertise across accounts, tax, business advisory and financing, we can give you a joined-up view of how this fits into your wider plans.

Quick takeaways

• The FETF grant closes on 28 April
• Funding is available between £1,000 and £25,000
• Focus areas include slurry management, animal welfare and productivity
• Several other rural funding deadlines fall between May and July
• Early preparation gives you the best chance of a successful application 

Final thoughts

At Fortus, we exist to give ambitious Yorkshire businesses the clarity and confidence to grow. For farming businesses, that often means making smart investment decisions at the right time.

With multiple deadlines approaching, now is a good time to step back, review your plans and take action where it makes sense.

If the FETF grant or any of the upcoming schemes are on your radar, and you’d like support or just a quick conversation, our dedicated Fortus Rural Economy specialists are here to walk you through the implications, run the numbers, and help you plan with confidence. 

Reach out any time - we’re ready to support you.