New Infrastructure and Equipment funding opens for Welsh farmers

A new Infrastructure and Equipment funding opportunity has opened for farm businesses in Wales, providing support towards larger-scale farm infrastructure and equipment designed to improve nutrient management, reduce on-farm pollution and improve biosecurity.

The funding forms part of the Sustainable Farming Scheme's Optional Layer and is similar to the previous Nutrient Management Investment Scheme (NMIS).

Applications opened on 29 October 2026.

How much funding is available?

Welsh Government will provide support of between £12,000 and £50,000.

Funding is generally available at 40% of total eligible costs, with a higher contribution of 50% available for certain items relating to slurry storage and management.

Applications can be made for projects costing more than £50,000, but the Welsh Government contribution will be capped at £50,000, subject to the relevant funding rate.

What can the funding support?

The scheme is intended to support larger-scale farmyard infrastructure investments and equipment that can improve nutrient management, reduce the risk of on-farm pollution and contribute to improvements in areas including water, soil and air quality.

This includes investment relating to areas such as slurry storage and management, alongside other eligible infrastructure and equipment.

The precise eligibility and requirements will depend on the proposed investment, so it is important to check the relevant scheme guidance before committing to a project.

Three quotes will be required

Unlike schemes based on standard costs, Infrastructure and Equipment funding is designed around the individual project.

Applicants will therefore be required to provide three quotes in support of their application.

Welsh Government states that funding will be offered in line with the lowest of the three quotes, making it important to factor the quotation process into your preparations.

Second-hand equipment may also be eligible, provided it meets the relevant requirements, including being fit for purpose, compliant with current health and safety legislation and having at least five years of expected life remaining.

Do I need to consider planning before applying?

Yes. Welsh Government states that submission of a planning application will be required as part of the application process.

For farmers considering infrastructure investment, this is an important reason to start planning the project early.

Before concentrating solely on the grant application, consideration should be given to the proposed development itself, the planning requirements and the information needed to support both processes.

Do I need to be in the Sustainable Farming Scheme?

Nutrient management funding under the Infrastructure and Equipment category is available to eligible farm businesses whether or not they are claiming the SFS Universal Layer.

However, applications will be scored and assessed, and Welsh Government has confirmed that farm businesses participating in the SFS Universal Layer will receive additional points during the scoring process.

Where demand exceeds the funding available, applications will be ranked, with grant awards offered to the highest-scoring applications first.

Different eligibility requirements apply to biosecurity items, so businesses considering these investments should check the specific scheme requirements.

Why is it worth preparing early?

A successful infrastructure project involves more than completing a grant application.

Applicants may need to consider planning requirements, obtain the necessary quotations and ensure that any relevant consents, permits, licences and regulatory requirements are addressed.

Looking at these elements together at an early stage can make it easier to understand whether a proposed investment is suitable for the scheme and what needs to happen before an application can progress.

Planning an investment? Our Rural and Planning teams can work together

At Roger Parry & Partners, our Rural and Planning teams work together in-house, allowing us to consider both the grant and planning requirements of a proposed farm infrastructure project.

Our Rural team can advise on the funding opportunity and grant application, while our Planning team can advise on and prepare the necessary planning application where required.

Bringing both elements together from the outset can help ensure the different requirements of the project are considered at the right stage.

If you are considering investing, please get in touch with Clare Williams - [email protected] or 01938 554499.