The Farming Minister has confirmed that farmers in Skipton and Ripon have been awarded £566,251 in the first round of the Animal Health and Welfare Equipment and Technology fund.
In total, £19 million has been awarded to over 3,300 pig, poultry, sheep and cattle farmers, with grants ranging from £1,000 to £25,000. This will support investment in items ranging from livestock handling equipment to reduce lameness in sheep and cattle, to automated monitoring systems which free-up farmers’ time and limit environmental stress in poultry housing.
They form part of the Government’s Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, which supports farmers to transition to higher welfare practices and systems, whilst improving animal health, boosting productivity and encouraging sustainable food production.
Over the course of this year, the Government will make over £168 million available to farmers to drive innovation, support food production, improve animal health and welfare, and protect the environment. There will be further rounds of equipment and technology grants, as well as larger schemes for bespoke infrastructure projects, which farmers can continue to apply for.
Julian Smith said, “This is fantastic news for farmers across Skipton and Ripon.
“It was a pleasure to host the Farming Minister on a visit earlier this summer and discuss what the Government can continue to do to support local farmers.
“Grants like this will help them to invest sustainably, improve welfare practices and boost productivity.”
