Garford Farm Machinery is urging growers to prepare applications quickly as Defra opens the final round of the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2026 (FETF) on 17 March, releasing £50 million to support onfarm investment. With funding allocated competitively, the company warns that early submissions are likely to be more successful, noting that this is expected to be the last FETF round in its current format.
Mechanical and electrical systems aligned with soilcare priorities
The 2026 scheme offers £1,000–£25,000 per theme, capped at £75,000 per business, across Farm Productivity, Animal Health & Welfare and Slurry Management. A total of 290 eligible items includes a wide range of mechanical and electrical weedmanagement tools — an area of growing relevance for growers facing herbicide resistance, regulation changes and pressure to maintain soil function.
Garford’s eligible equipment includes cameraguided intrarow weeders and 3 m and 6 m interrow hoes, designed to remove weeds while preserving soil structure. Also included is the Garford Electric Weeder, which holds a high FETF rating of 87/100.
Developed with RootWave, the system delivers electrical energy into the plant to destroy both foliage and roots. The process leaves soil structure undisturbed — a key requirement in regenerative and reducedtillage systems — and avoids chemical inputs altogether. Garford notes that full root kill prevents regrowth, ensuring effective control without mechanical soil disruption.
Lower operating costs support sustainable approaches
Garford estimates running costs for electric weeding at £55–£120/ha, depending on workload, making it competitive with many herbicide programmes, especially when supported through FETF grants.
Managing Director Jonathan Henry says integrated mechanical and electrical control methods can help growers balance weed suppression with soil protection at a time of rising costs and tightening environmental expectations. He encourages farmers to prepare applications now to secure support for technologies that strengthen longterm soil resilience.
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