Welsh Small Grants – Efficiency (Window 5): Direct Drill Grant Funding

If you’re looking to overseed or establish grass, clover, herbs or forage crops with minimal soil disturbance, the Welsh Government Small Grants – Efficiency (Window 5) scheme includes support for a Direct Drill (slot seed drill).

The application window is 12 January 2026 to 27 February 2026.

What funding is available for a Direct Drill?

The scheme lists the following for the Direct Drill item:

• Reference cost (ex VAT): £26,030
• Grant value: £10,412
• Item score: 290

The general rules explain the grant is a maximum 40% contribution (excluding VAT), paid against actual invoiced costs, capped to the referenced cost for the item.

Direct Drill specification (what the drill must do)

To be eligible under Window 5, a Direct or slot seed drill must be capable of sowing:

• grass
• clover
• herbs
• forage crops into undisturbed soil

Minimum requirements include:

• Minimum 2.7m working width
• Seed is metered and delivered by pneumatic or mechanical mechanism
• Seed is delivered into a pre-prepared slot produced by a disc or slot mechanism in undisturbed soil
• Seed is placed at a consistent depth

Not eligible: equipment that broadcasts seed on the surface and incorporates it with tines/rollers, or drills that disturb/cultivate soil prior to sowing.

Key rules to avoid problems at claim time

A few scheme rules are worth keeping front of mind:

• Do not buy the drill before you receive a grant award offer. Buying items early can lead to your claim being rejected and payments recovered.
• Items must meet (or exceed) the published minimum specification, or payments can be reduced and penalties may apply.
• Applications are submitted through RPW Online.

Why farmers are looking at direct drilling for grass and forage

A direct drill is a practical way to:

• establish or overseed without a full reseed
• reduce soil disturbance
• get seed placed at a consistent depth where it can germinate well

Always choose the right approach for your fields and conditions.

FAQ: Direct Drill grant support (Window 5)

When can I apply?

The application window is 12 January 2026 to 27 February 2026.

How much is the grant for a Direct Drill?

The scheme lists a grant value of £10,412 against a reference cost of £26,030 (ex VAT).

What width does the Direct Drill need to be?

Minimum 2.7m working width.

Can I buy the drill before I get the grant offer?

No – the rules state you must not purchase items before the grant award is offered.

What type of drill is not eligible?

Broadcast-and-incorporate systems, or drills that disturb/cultivate soil before sowing, are not eligible under this item.

Next step

If you’re applying for Small Grants – Efficiency (Window 5) for a Direct Drill, we can help you make sure the drill specification and paperwork clearly match the Welsh Government requirements.

Get in touch via our website to discuss the grant-eligible Direct Drill option and request a quote.

Always refer to the official scheme guidance for full eligibility and rules:
Small Grants – Efficiency (Window 5) guidance.