RURAL GROWTH PROGRAMME GRANTS NOW AVAILABLE – DEADLINE 16TH FEB 2020
Last Friday, Defra announced another round of its Growth Programme which provides grants for small rural businesses to create jobs and growth in the rural economy. Examples of eligible projects include farm diversification, food processing and development of tourism infrastructure.
There is a minimum grant of £20,000 which in most cases means a minimum overall spend of £50,000 based on a 40% grant. There is a two-stage application process and the first stage is to submit an Expression of Interest form by 16th February 2020. Guidance notes and application forms are on the following link: RDPE Growth Programme. Note - equipment and infrastructure related to core agricultural production are not eligible costs.
Do you need help applying? The Farmer Network provides members with free e mail and telephone advice and can help prepare applications at a discounted rate. Call Veronica Waller on 01524 782797, or e mail: Veronica@thefarmernetwork.co.uk.
COUNTRYSIDE PRODUCTIVITY SMALL GRANT SCHEME – ACCEPT YOUR OFFER BY 10TH NOVEMBER
Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme offers were sent out in late October by e mail (not by letter) and you have until 10th November to accept the offer using the online CPSG acceptance portal. YOU MUST ACCEPT YOUR OFFER BY 10TH NOVEMBER OR YOU WILL NOT GET THE GRANT.
Once you have accepted your Grant Funding Agreement, you can purchase your items and then submit your claim by the final deadline of 31 May 2020. You must buy all the items of equipment in your agreement and make sure the dates of invoices and payments are after you accept the offer. More information is at: CP Small Grant scheme.