Farmers across Shropshire are being encouraged to bid for a share of £60 million, offered by the government to enable them to purchase equipment to improve the productivity of their farm.

The Rural Development Programme for England Countryside Productivity Small Grant scheme was launched on February 7 and it aims to help farmers across the country achieve improvements in either animal welfare, resource efficiency or nutrient management.

Through this scheme, farmers can apply for funding between £3,000 and £12,000 – up to 40 per cent of the total cost of the equipment on offer.

It is only open to farmers based in England and includes livestock, dairy, arable and horticulture.

Applications can be made online until March 14 at 12pm and Nic Laurens, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for economic growth, is urging farmers to get involved.

“The agricultural sector is very important to Shropshire, with over 81 per cent of the county’s land area designated to agricultural production – one of the highest levels in England,” he said.

“This new scheme provides a tremendous opportunity for you and your farm to benefit from RDPE grant funding. The application process is straightforward and there is a wide range of equipment on offer which could help you to improve your farm’s productivity.”

Farming minister George Eustice launched the scheme.

He said: “Many of the items eligible for funding are highly relevant to the dairy sector, including specialist foot trimming crushes and calving detectors, but there is a range of innovative items from which the majority of farmers can find something they would want to apply for.

“The grant can cover costs of certain equipment identified as helping achieve improvements and include cattle handling systems; crushes; weighing systems; foot trimming crushes; calving detectors; among others.

Anyone in north Shropshire looking for help and more information can contact Kathryn Williams of Davis Meade Property Consultants in Oswestry.

She said: “Applications forms must be completed online before the deadline of March 14,

“Farmers will be notified after the funding round closes whether or not their application has been approved.

“Once you applications has been approved you can purchased all your items and then claim your money.”