Following the NFU Annual Conference, the Defra Secretary has announced the launch of the new and reformed Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI), alongside updates to the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF) 2026. 

Farming Equipment & Technology Fund (FETF) 2026 

The next round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) will be opening on 17th March 2026 with grant funding available from £1,000 – £25,000 per grant theme. 

Eligible items include: 

• • Slurry infrastructure – including dribble bars, nurse tanks & robotic slurry pushers 
• • Livestock handling equipment 
• • Arable equipment such as direct drills 
• • Dairy equipment With £50 million of funding available, this is a valuable opportunity to invest in productivity, efficiency and environmental improvements across your business. 

Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) 

We now have further clarity on the upcoming application windows. 

• • Capped at one agreement per farm 
• • Annual payments capped at £100,000 
• • Small farms (3–50 hectares) & farms without an existing agreement – Opens June 2026 
• • Larger farms (all other eligible farms) – Opens September 2026 
• • Management payments will be removed to prioritise environmental funding 

These changes are designed to focus funding more directly on environmental delivery and sustainable outcomes. 

These opportunities can make a real difference for your farm, but timing and preparation will be critical. Kivells’ Professional Team can provide early advice and guidance, helping you through every stage of these schemes, ensuring you’re ready to act when the windows open. 

For further information, contact your local experienced team today: 

Kivells Exeter: 01392 251261 

Kivells Holsworthy: 01566 776886