The government’s latest announcement of the £50 million Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (FETF) 2025 is more than just another round of funding. It feels like a real step forward for British agriculture. As a specialist recruiter in the sector, we can’t help but feel excited about what this could mean for farming businesses and for the people who work in them.
The grants will support three key areas: boosting productivity, improving slurry management, and enhancing animal health and welfare. And with the application window opening on 29 May, now is the time to start thinking about what this might mean for your business or your career.
It’s Not Just About New Equipment
At first glance, you might think this is simply about buying new equipment. But actually, it’s much bigger than that. With over 180 eligible items, ranging from robotic weeders to slurry separators to cooling systems for poultry sheds, this fund is helping to reshape the day-to-day reality of working on a farm.
We’re talking about machinery and technology that can help reduce labour requirements, improve sustainability, cut costs, and even boost animal welfare outcomes. But with all that comes a shift in the kind of people and skills the sector will need.
A Changing Job Market
What’s really exciting from a recruitment point of view is the potential ripple effect this grant could have on employment across the sector.
We're already seeing increased demand for people with technical skills, especially those who understand precision farming, agri-tech, and data-driven livestock management. Jobs are evolving, and the farms that are embracing change will need a different kind of expertise to get the most from this new wave of innovation.
On top of that, the grant could also create new roles in equipment installation, servicing, software support and training. It might even boost employment in related sectors like agri-tech manufacturing and R&D.
We know that some people worry about automation replacing jobs. But from what we’re seeing, the trend is much more about upskilling than downsizing. Farms are still run by people, and technology is simply helping them do a better, more efficient job.
More Opportunities for Young Talent
For younger people looking to enter the sector, this could be a brilliant time to get involved. There’s often a perception that farming is old-fashioned or lacking in tech, but that’s changing fast. This fund helps to prove that farming is as innovative and future-focused as any other industry.
And let’s not forget the Investor Partnerships programme, which is designed to blend government grants with private investment to bring brand new technologies to market. It’s likely we’ll see new agri-tech companies emerge from this, opening up even more opportunities for the next generation of agricultural professionals.
What This Means for You
Whether you’re a farmer thinking about upgrading your kit or someone looking to grow your career in the sector, the FETF 2025 presents a real chance to embrace the future of farming.
At Agricultural Recruitment Specialists, we’re already speaking to clients who are planning ahead and considering what roles they’ll need to fill to make the most of the grant. If you’re a candidate with experience in modern farm practices, technical equipment, or livestock welfare, now’s a great time to update your CV and get in touch with us.
If you’re an employer, we’d love to chat about how we can help you find the right people to support your next phase of growth. Because with the right tools and the right people in place, farms will be better equipped to meet the challenges ahead and take advantage of new opportunities.
