More than 3,600 farmers are set to benefit from £22 million in productivity-boosting equipment from round two of the government’s Countryside Productivity Small Grants (CPSG) scheme, Defra has announced.

Farming Minister George Eustice has confirmed that all eligible applications have been approved as part of round two of the successful scheme, with the Rural Payments Agency writing to the 3,677 successful applicants from yesterday.

Successful applicants have until midnight on November 10 to accept their offer, ahead of ordering their items from suppliers.

Guy Smith, the NFU’s deputy president, said: “We have been working closely with both Defra and the RPA to make improvements to this scheme, so it’s good news that more money over and above the original £15m is being made available so eligible farmers can invest in new and innovative equipment, such as livestock monitoring cameras, to help boost on-farm productivity, which will, in turn, enable them to re-invest in their businesses, thus avoiding farmers with eligible items being turned down.

“Farmers who have been given the green light to invest should read the guidance carefully, speak to the suppliers to confirm the items wanted are available before accepting the grant, and use the RPA’s online portal to confirm they want to proceed, before the November 10 deadline.”

Mr Smith added: “The NFU is also pleased that farming minister George Eustice has committed to further measures to help farmers become more productive, efficient and resilient in the future when an Agriculture Bill is finally in place.”

The Rural Payments Agency is encouraging farmers to speak to their suppliers to confirm the items they wish to order are available before accepting their grant.

Farmers are encouraged to make early orders to leave time for deliveries to arrive and payment claims to be processed by the end of May 2020.