Wight Rural Hub

05/06/2026

New Farm Safety App Launched
RABI have launched FarmersAid, a free app designed to help people respond to serious on-farm accidents while emergency services are on their way.
Developed with leading rural emergency medicine experts, the app provides clear, step-by-step guidance for 10 serious farming accident scenarios, helping users act quickly and confidently in high-pressure situations.
Features include:
✅ Step-by-step emergency guidance
✅ One-touch access to call 999
✅ Integration with What3Words for accurate location sharing
✅ Practical support designed specifically for farming environments
Farming remains one of the UK's most hazardous industries and having access to clear emergency guidance could make a critical difference when every minute counts.
Download FarmersAid:
Apple App Store: https://bit.ly/GetFarmersAid-iOS
Google Play: https://bit.ly/GetFarmersAid-Android
Thank you to RABI and the organisations supporting this important initiative to improve farm safety across the UK.

04/06/2026

Good morning! We’re looking forward to welcoming you to the sold out Wight Rural Hub Update Meeting this evening at 18:30 at Newclose Cricket Ground
Thank you to everyone who has booked to attend, it's fantastic to be bringing farmers and land managers together from across the Island for an evening of updates, discussion, collaboration and connection over supper.
A huge thank you to our event partners for helping make this evening possible:
NFU Mutual Isle of Wight Southern Water
Safe travels and see you later.

03/06/2026

Our June Wight Rural Hub Newsletter is now available!
This month's edition includes:
- Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding opportunities
- The latest information on SFI26
- New Capital Grants 2026 guidance
- Upcoming events and training opportunities
- News and updates relevant to Island farmers and land managers
With significant changes and new opportunities emerging across the agricultural support landscape, now is a good time to catch up on the latest developments affecting farm businesses on the Island.
Read the June newsletter here: https://www.wightruralhub.co.uk/june-2026-newsletter-now-available/

28/05/2026

Capital Grants 2026 guidance has now been published by Defra, with support available for environmental improvements that help farms improve water and air quality, support nature, strengthen resilience and continue sustainable food production.
This time next week, Capital Grants and the wider scheme landscape will be discussed at our sold out Scheme Update Meeting, delivered in partnership with NFU Mutual Isle of Wight and Southern Water.
We look forward to welcoming everyone who has booked to Newclose Cricket Ground at 18:30 on Thursday 4 June for what promises to be an important and timely discussion for Island farmers and land managers.
Read the latest Defra update here: https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/28/capital-grants-2026-guidance-now-available/

06/05/2026

SFI26 is coming, are you ready?
Our May newsletter is now out and packed with key updates, funding opportunities and important dates for the farming community, including the extended FETF deadline.
This edition also features a write-up from Mollie Sheath, Club Secretary of the Isle of Wight Young Farmers' Club, highlighting their fab work and involvement.
Don’t miss our Scheme Update Meeting – Grants & Funding Opportunities on 4 June, a must-attend session to stay ahead of the latest changes and opportunities.
Available now via email and on our website: https://www.wightruralhub.co.uk/wight-rural-hub-may-newsletter/

06/05/2026

Glad to be part of this conversation alongside Island Rivers
Great to highlight the practical changes already happening across the Island, from improving infrastructure to building healthier soils and the real difference these make for both farm resilience and river health.
Pleased to support Water Saving Week and the shared goal of cleaner, more resilient water systems for people, farming and wildlife alike

13/04/2026

Funding opportunity for farmers, growers & rural innovators
We’re pleased to share this opportunity from The Farmers Club Charitable Trust
Snapshot Studies – Applications Now Open!
Looking to explore a specific agricultural topic or develop an innovative idea? The Farmers Club Charitable Trust is offering grants of £1,000–£2,000 through its Snapshot Studies programme.
Designed to be quick and accessible, this funding supports knowledge development across food, farming and associated industries.
Up to £2,000 funding available
Simple application via short video submission
Mentored delivery and reporting
Perfect if you’ve got a focused idea to explore, pilot or test, or need a funding boost to get started.
Find out more and apply: www.tfcct.co.uk

📢 Snapshot Studies – Applications Now Open!

Looking to explore a specific agricultural topic or develop an innovative idea? The Farmers Club Charitable Trust is offering grants of between £1,000 and £2,000 through its Snapshot Studies programme.

Designed to be quick and accessible, this opportunity supports knowledge development across food, farming, and associated industries.

🌱 Up to £2,000 funding available
🎥 Simple application via short video submission
🤝 Mentored delivery and reporting

Perfect for those with a clear idea they want to explore, or anyone looking for a funding boost to get started.

👉 Find out more and apply: [www.tfcct.co.uk](http://www.tfcct.co.uk)

17/03/2026

FETF 2026 is now OPEN
Applications for the Farming Equipment & Technology Fund are now open.
Grants are available towards practical equipment for:
• Productivity
• Slurry management
• Animal health & welfare
If you’re planning any equipment purchases this year, it’s worth checking the eligible items list.
Applications close midday on 28 April.
Apply here: https://rpagrants.defra.gov.uk/welcome/

05/03/2026

The latest Wight Rural Hub Newsletter is out now.
Following the success of the 2026 Isle of Wight Farming Conference, this month’s edition includes:
• Key updates on FETF, Capital Grants and SFI 2026
• A feature article from the Island’s Worm Farm team including details of their event at at The Garlic Farm on 16 April
• Booking details for the Catchment Sensitive Farming 1-1 clinic on 12 March
• Upcoming events, opportunities and local farming news
Thank you again to everyone who helped make the Farming Conference such a success, it’s quickly becoming a key date in the Island farming calendar.
Read the newsletter and stay up to date with opportunities, events and support for Island farmers and land managers.
Read the full newsletter here: https://www.wightruralhub.co.uk/latest-newsletter-out-now-march-2026/

09/02/2026

February Newsletter Is Live – Conference Week Is Here!
Our February Wight Rural Hub newsletter is out now and it’s a special one.
Inside you’ll find:
- The full breakdown of this week’s Isle of Wight Farming Conference
- A link to the newly released conference programme
- Upcoming events
- Grants, guidance & practical resources for Island farmers
If you’re coming on Thursday at Barton Manor, we’re looking forward to welcoming you.
If you’re still deciding… tickets are still available at just £15, including lunch and refreshments (kept affordable thanks to our fantastic sponsors).
It’s shaping up to be a practical, honest and uplifting day for Island agriculture and we’d love to see you there.
Read the newsletter, view the programme and join the conversation.
https://www.wightruralhub.co.uk/february-newsletter-now-live-spotlight-on-this-weeks-isle-of-wight-farming-conference/