As well as showcasing a full range of equipment from Alpego, HE-VA, Ovlac and FarmDroid at this week’s Cereals event, OPICO will have its team of product specialists on hand to advise on how best to access the latest grant funding opportunities.

With the deadline for the Farm Equipment and Technology Fund grant scheme looming in July, potential applications are being urged to seriously consider their options before the opportunity passes.

“While there is a long list of eligible kit, there are some vagaries around the criteria required to access the funding,” explains OPICO’s managing director James Woolway.

“Our team of specialists are fully briefed on exactly what is needed for purchasers of eligible equipment to meet these requirements. At a time when margins are tighter than ever, it’s never been more important to explore these opportunities. We can help in ensuring customers select the right machine and have all the correct paperwork to ensure their applications are successful.”

Just a few examples of eligible items include stubble rakes, cover-crop rollers, inter-row cultivators, robotic drills and hoes, grassland sub-soilers and flail mowers for orchards.

In addition, there are other lesser-known grant schemes that farming businesses might not be aware of. One example is Anglian Water’s Farming Innovation Grant fund which provides up to £7500 to help support farmers and share some of the risks associated with trialling new approaches to help preserve water quality. Other water companies may offer similar options – OPICO’s team can give an insight into the eligibility of various pieces of equipment and the potential for funding applications.

Drop into the OPICO stand at Cereals to ask any questions.