RootWave’s eWeeder for orchards and vineyards has been included in Defra’s Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024.
The tractor-powered machine uses electricity for weed control and was one of the top scoring items for productivity and environmental benefit on the list. As a result, growers can claim the maximum grant allowance of £50,000 – more than half the machine’s list price.
CEO Andrew Diprose says the grant means that growers with 25 hectares of orchards and vineyards could save money versus their existing sprayer and herbicide programme. “The running costs for a RootWave eWeeder are tiny in comparison to herbicides. Before this grant was announced we knew medium and large growers could save money by switching to eWeeding, now smaller growers can too.”
Farming Minister Mark Spencer visited RootWave in February to see the machine in action, commenting: “Keeping control of weeds is a crucial task all farmers face. RootWave is one of the most innovative companies in the country and Defra has supported the development of their innovative and eco-friendly electric weeder.”
Growers may also be able to access further funding, an annual payment of £101 per hectare of land where eWeeding is used rather than herbicides, under the Combined Environment Land Management Offer. eWeeding is the only non-chemical solution that kills both weeds and their roots without disturbing the soil.
Growers can find guidance for claiming the Defra grant here.
