Clean Growth Financing Initiative

The Clean Growth Financing Initiative (CGFI) offers fee-free lending for clear, specific sustainable projects and purchases. Its aim is to help British agriculture reduce its environmental impact across several project areas including water, waste, energy usage, and carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.

If you are thinking about investing in your farm, CGFI could include loans to enable renewable energy, waste and water improvements, agricultural machinery, sustainable diversification, and much more.

Criteria

Zero percent arrangement fee for qualifying sustainable investment and capital expenditure (AMC customers with turnover up to £25m).
Minimum Mortgage amount £25,001.*
Supports sterling lending for new/additional UK Capex and investment.
The mortgage purpose must be approved internally by AMC before an application can be progressed.

CGFI eligibility criteria needs to be confirmed by AMC before an application can be considered. Please refer to your Regional Agricultural Managers (RAM) or your local Land Agent to assess your eligibility.

*Once eligibility has been approved, the application is subject to standard product terms and conditions and lending requirements. Lending is subject to status.

What can CGFI be considered for?

Renewables, solar PV, wind, geothermal, hydropower, green hydrogen.
Renewable energy infrastructure – transmission systems.
Space and water heating – ground and air source heat pumps, solar and water heating, biomass boilers, CHP plants.
Investment in low carbon vehicles and transport with <50g per km CO2 emissions.
HGVs – fuel cell & battery electric, hydrogen, biogas, bioethanol, biodiesel, HVO, sustainable synthetic fuels – also includes cost of retrofit.
Cranes/forklift trucks/construction/industrial equipment – electric, solar, hydrogen, biogas.
Investment in sustainable waste and water improvements.
Agritech/new sustainable, production methods, equipment with demonstrable environmental benefit.
Finance for agriculture machinery linked to sustainable arable farming.
Growing of energy crops that meet the UK Govt Biomass Suppliers List.
Sustainable diversification, e.g., adding Eco-pods/sustainable camping.

What CGFI is not for

Refinancing of existing debt, or acquisitions.
Fossil fuel powered machinery/systems.
Drench irrigation and systems powered by fossil fuels.
Land purchase and acquisition.
Where land is already certified by the LEAF Marque. Conversion from a natural landscape – i.e., no biodiversity degradation in conversion.
Conversion from prime Agricultural Land (Grade 1 and Grade 2 per Agricultural Land Classification (ALC) system) and conversion from a natural landscape – no biodiversity degradation in conversion to forest.
General corporate facilities.

Soil Association Exchange

Soil Association Exchange is a free online platform that helps farmers and landowners holistically measure their farms environmental impact. Built with the input of hundreds of farmers, it can offer recommendations to boost your farm’s sustainability credentials and unlock the financial benefits that brings.

How Exchange can help you

Applying for a CGFI loan

View details of the application process and the documents you will need, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

How to apply

How do I apply?

If you are interested in applying for lending through CGFI, please speak directly with one of our Regional Agricultural Managers (RAM) or your local Land Agent who will assist with your application.

Find your local contact