Two new grant funds have been launched by the government under the Countryside Productivity Scheme, carrying a maximum grant of £1 million.
The scheme, by the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE), provides funding for projects in England which improve productivity in the farming and forestry sectors and help create jobs and growth in the rural economy.
The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) says the two grants schemes can provide support for rural business.
One of the new grants, Improving Farm Productivity, has an application deadline of 3 December 2018. It seeks to fund projects that can be completed by 31 December 2020.
This grant covers funding for the use of robotic equipment and systems to aid crop and livestock production.
It also covers farmers who want to increase the use of renewable heat and electricity produced on a farm by improving energy storage and distribution.
Other purposes include the use of LED wavelength controlled lighting to aid crop production and funding for more efficient use of livestock slurries and manures, and digestate.
Agri-food
The Adding Value to Agri-Food grant has an application deadline of 29 June 2018 for expressions of interest, and seeks to fund projects that can be completed by December 2020.
This grant aims to improve the processing of primary agricultural products to shorten supply chains and deliver benefits to primary producers.
Grant funding can help pay for equipment and machinery or constructing or improving buildings associated with all aspects of processing. Examples include investment in an egg processing facility.
The minimum funding for both grants is £35,000. In the case of the Improving Farm Productivity grant, the funding will cover up to 40% of the eligible costs of the project, giving a minimum total cost of £87,500.
At least 60% of the project funding must be met from private sources, such as savings or a bank loan. Public funds towards the project are acceptable but will reduce the grant offered. The maximum grant available is £1m.
