The Rural Payments Agency (RPA) has introduced grants of between £15,000 and £500,000 to the agricultural community for large infrastructure projects that will help to continually improve the health and welfare of your animals.
The Calf Housing for Health and Welfare Grant, which forms part of Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Infrastructure Pathway and is now open for applications until 30 November 2023.
Initially, the grant will be available for existing cattle farmers in England to co-fund new and upgraded calf housing that improves social contact and the ambient environment.
In time, Government will extend the offer to include grants for adult cattle, pig and poultry housing.
The grant can be used for:
A-frame building to house dairy calves from birth to weaning, or a mono-pitch building on a beef unit to house calves between 3-6 months.
Permanent open-sided structures with igloo/hutches and other types of calf housing.
Adapt calf housing to meet the demands of extreme weather conditions and changing climate.
Rooftop solar panels, a great source of thermal insulation and low-cost energy for your calf housing.
The minimum grant you can apply for is £15,000. The maximum grant is £500,000 per applicant business. The minimum grant amount does not include costs associated with rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Grants can cover up to maximum rate of 40% of the eligible costs of a project. If you’re including rooftop solar PV panels as part of your project, the RPA will only fund the purchase and installation of these up to 25% of the eligible costs.
How to apply
- You can check if you're eligible to apply by using the RPA online checker. This is open until 11.59pm on 30 November. You can use it to make an initial online application.
- If eligible, the RPA will send you an Ambient Environment Assessment form to complete.
- If your Ambient Environment Assessment details are satisfactory, the RPA will invite you to make a full application by sending out the application forms.
Rooftop Solar Panels
If you’re considering solar PV, then NFU Energy’s Renewable Energy Solutions gives you one-stop-shop access to leading installers, finance and insurance. We support you at every stage of your renewables journey.
We identify the best renewable energy solution for you. Our technical experts will identify the most appropriate renewable energy solution for your individual circumstances.
We introduce you to one of our accredited installers. They will conduct a detailed assessment and prepare a full proposal, at no cost to you. We review every proposal to ensure it meets our standards and addressed your needs.
We help you secure finance and insurance. We provide easy access to our handpicked lender panel and our insurance partner, NFU Mutual.
We provide ongoing support. NFU Energy experts will be on hand throughout the process to answer your questions and ensure everything happens smoothly.
Contact our Renewables Team to discuss this grant and possible installation of solar panels on [email protected] or call 024 7669 6512 today.