Countryside Productivity Grant Scheme 2017

The Countryside Productivity Grant Scheme 2017 was launched on Monday 30th October 2017, and we are urging clients who are looking to invest in their businesses to apply for this funding whilst it is available.

There are 4 key areas that are eligible for funding and the application process and deadlines differ for each:

  • Improving Farm Productivity
  • Adding Value to Agri-Food
  • Water Resource Management
  • Forestry
     

Improving Farm Productivity

Grants are available for:

  • The use of robotic equipment and systems to aid crop and livestock production
  • Increasing the use of renewable energy produced on farm by improving energy storage and distribution
  • The use of LED wavelength controlled lighting to aid crop production
  • More efficient use of livestock slurries, manures and digestate

Grants are for a minimum of £35,000 therefore your project has to cost at least £87,500 to be eligible.

The deadline for grant applications is 3rd December 2018

Adding Value to Agri-Food

Grants are available for:

  • Equipment to improve the processing of agriculture produce to shorten the supply chain
    Constructing or improving buildings in which to carry out processing
  • The grant application process for this sector is in 2 stages – initially you apply an expression of interest and this will determine if you are invited to proceed to stage 2 which is more detailed.
  • Grants are for a minimum of £35,000 therefore your project has to cost at least £87,500 to be eligible.  There is no maximum amount. 

The deadline for grant applications is 29th June 2018

Water Resource Management

Grants are available for:

  • Construction of a water storage reservoir
  • Abstraction point, pump and pipework to fill the reservoir
  • Irrigation pump, controls, underground water distribution main
  • Water metering equipment
  • Boom or trickle irrigation
  • Software and sensors to optimise water application
     

Grants are for a minimum of £35,000 therefore your project has to cost at least £87,500 to be eligible. Maximum grant is £1,000,000.

Leader Funding

For bigger projects, with less restrictions on the items you can apply for, LEADER funding is still available.

You apply via your Local Action Group (LAG) for funding for projects that will create jobs, help your business to grow, and benefit the rural economy.

Support is available to micro and small businesses to:

  • boost rural tourism
  • increase farm productivity
  • increase forestry productivity
  • provide rural services
  • provide cultural and heritage activities

Initially you need to check with your local LAG project officer if the items you wish to purchase are funded in your area. If this is the case you then send in an expression of interest application and if successful you are then asked to complete a detailed stage 2 application.

Examples of projects we have assisted with in the South West includes Robotic Milking Systems, LED lighting, Rumination monitoring, mattresses, calf milk pasteurising machines, all attracting 40% grant.

Applying For Farming Grants

Call Janice Radford at Douglas Green Consulting if you would like to discuss how you can take advantage of these funding streams, whilst they are still available...