Farmers urged to act fast as final round of FETF 2026 opens
Farmers and growers are being urged to prepare and submit their applications promptly as the final
round of Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026 (FETF) opens on 17 March, with £50
million available to support investment in productivity-boosting equipment and technology.
With demand expected to be high and funding allocated on a competitive basis, Garford Farm
Machinery is calling on farm businesses to act without delay.
“It may say the funding is open until late April, but based on past experience the sooner you get your
application in we believe the greater your chance of success,” says Jonathan Henry, Managing
Director of Garford Farm Machinery. “When that funding is gone, it is gone for good and at the moment
the message from Defra is that this is the last round of FETF funding in its current form. Farmers
should be planning their investments now to secure a resilient and profitable future.”
Significant opportunity for weed control investment
The 2026 fund offers grants of between £1,000 and £25,000 per theme, with a maximum of £75,000
available per farm business. Funding is split across three streams:
Farm Productivity (£20m)
Animal Health and Welfare (£20m)
Slurry Management (£10m)
With 290 items eligible, FETF 2026 presents a major opportunity for arable and horticultural
businesses facing increasing pressure from herbicide resistance, tightening environmental regulation
and rising input costs.
Eligibility extends across the Garford range of mechanical and electrical weed control solutions:
FEFT5: Camera-guided intra-row weeders (1.8m)
FETF6: Inter-row hoe (3m)
FETF7: Inter-row hoe (6m)
FETF422: Tractor-powered electric desiccator for weed and plant control
Among the highest scoring items is the Garford Electric Weeder (funding available under FETF422),
which sits in the third highest ranking category with a score of 87 out of 100 — making it an attractive
option for farmers seeking to offset investment costs through grant support.
Electric weeding proven effective in the field
Developed in partnership with RootWave, the Garford Electric Weeder integrates electrical weed
control into precision-guided toolbar systems suitable for high-value crops and broadacre arable
applications.
The RootWave system uses electricity to boil weeds and their roots, delivering complete root kill
without chemicals and without disturbing the soil. Unlike systems that only scorch foliage, this
technology fully extirpates the weed, preventing regrowth.
“The results we are seeing from the early adopters are extremely pleasing,” says Mr Henry. “This is the
only electric weeder currently on the market that completely eliminates the roots so weeds do not re-
emerge.”
Because it is non-chemical and soil-friendly, electric weeding is compatible with organic and
regenerative systems, supporting growers looking to meet sustainability goals without compromising
output.
Garford estimates operating costs for eWeeding technology at between £55 and £120 per hectare* —
significantly lower than many chemical herbicide programmes. When combined with potential FETF
grant support, the financial case becomes even stronger, particularly for smaller enterprises seeking
to manage costs.
Supporting profitable and sustainable soil management
Alongside the Electric Weeder, FETF eligibility covers Garford’s 3m and 6m Robocrop Inter-row Guided
Hoes and Camera-guided Intra-row weeders (1.8), offering growers flexible solutions to manage
weeds effectively while protecting soil structure.
“With labour shortages, rising input costs and increasing pressure to protect soil health, farmers need
tools that improve margins without compromising soil structure,” Mr Henry adds. “Mechanical and
electrical weed control systems allow growers to maintain productivity while building healthier, more
resilient soils.”
As the leading UK manufacturer of technologically advanced mechanical weed control equipment,
Garford believes its full product range plays a critical role in helping farmers strike the balance
between profitability and sustainability.
Act Now
With the application window opening on 17 March, Garford is strongly advising farmers, growers and
contractors to begin preparing submissions immediately.
“This is the last round of FETF 2026. It represents a real opportunity to invest in technology that will
futureproof farm businesses,” concludes Mr Henry. “But prompt action is essential.”
*Based on operating for 20 hours a day. Includes depreciation, interest, five-year ownership, fuel and
wearing parts. Excludes tractor and operator labour costs.*
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