Deer chillers now available through Defra grant scheme

The government has announced that as of today, deer chillers will be one of the items available via the Farming Equipment and Technology Fund. 

The availability of the fund means that deer managers will now be able to apply for a grant covering up to 60 per cent of the cost of a new chiller trailer. 

Published in a Defra farming blog, any chiller purchased must adhere to defined specs, which have been released alongside the announcement.

Applications must be made by midday on 17 April 2024.

The specs are as follows:

FETF423 – Chiller trailer for deer carcasses

Expected average cost of item (£): 15,091
Percentage paid towards item: 60%
Grant amount (based on a quantity of 1) (£): 9,054.60
Score: 58
This item is new for 2024. Item must:

• be a chiller trailer for deer carcasses
• be constructed to food grade standard with minimum 55mm insulation on all walls
• have a maximum gross weight for trailer (including pay load) no more than 1500 kg
• have a maximum internal height not exceeding 2.0m
• contain two high level hanging rails
• include a minimum of 20 roller-hooks and gambrels to hang the deer carcasses
• operate in temperature range of 1C to 8C, trailers with freezer capability not eligible
• have a lockable rear door
• be fitted with a rear carcass lift with winch
• be fitted with a temperature data logger to monitor and record temperature when in use
• be fitted with a rear non-slip galvanised step.

You must provide this item’s serial number when you submit your claim for payment.

FETF424 – Large chiller trailer for deer carcasses

Expected average cost of item (£): 19,839
Percentage paid towards item: 60%
Grant amount (based on a quantity of 1) (£): 11,903.40
Score: 63
This item is new for 2024. Item must:

• be a chiller trailer for deer carcasses
• be constructed to food grade standard with minimum 55mm insulation on all walls
• have a maximum gross weight for the trailer (including pay load) no more than 3500 kg
• have a maximum internal height not exceeding 2.0m
• contain two high level hanging rails
• include a minimum of 30 roller-hooks and gambrels to hang the deer carcasses
• operate in temperature range of 1C to 8C, trailers with freezer capability not eligible
• have a lockable rear door
• be fitted with a rear carcass lift with winch
• be fitted with a temperature data logger to monitor and record temperature when in use
• be fitted with a rear non-slip galvanised step.

You must provide this item’s serial number when you submit your claim for payment.

More information can be found at Farming Equipment and Technology Fund 2024: guidance now available – Farming (blog.gov.uk).