Funding applications open today, with farm businesses eligible to apply for grants between £3,000, and £12,000, to help invest in new and innovative technology.

For the second round of funding, 26 new items have been added to the list of equipment available, including chlorophyll meters, which instantly measure the chlorophyll content of a plant leaf.

Another new item is the portable ammonia analyser, which can be used to check the levels of ammonia in farm buildings.

Farming Minister Robert Goodwill said: “The small grants scheme proved to be so popular in the first round because it gives farmers access to equipment that can deliver quick and tangible improvements.