UK grants for precision irrigation equipment
In March 2016 the UK government opened grants for farmers to make their irrigation more efficient, as part of the Countryside Productivity Scheme. Grants ranged from £35,000 to £1 million and could cover up to 40% of eligible costs.
What the grants paid for
Every application had to include water metering. It also had to include at least one of:
- software to monitor soil moisture and water use or manage distribution;
- remote soil moisture sensors;
- precision delivery equipment such as trickle irrigation.
Conditions
- at least 5% annual water savings, shared between the business and the environment;
- an environmental analysis if the irrigated area increased;
- water taken from eligible sources;
- applicants already irrigating.