With inflation on the rise, along with Brexit impacting international trade, the farming industry will be glad for any additional support.
Therefore, it comes as good news that the long-awaited Farming Transformation Fund Adding Value Grant is now open for applications.
What is the grant?
As part of the wider Farming Transformation Fund, the Added Value Grant is open to growers or producers of agricultural or horticultural produce.
The main aim of the funding is to assist producers in adding value to agricultural products after they have been harvested or reared.
Eligible farmers can apply for a grant amounting to between £25,000 to £300,000.
Who is eligible?
According to the Government, growers or producers of the following agricultural products can apply for a grant:
- Arable and horticultural crops
- Livestock
- Non-food crops (such as fodder, fibre, and flowers)
The grant is also available to businesses that process the above produce, providing that at least 50 per cent of the business is owned by producers.
It should be noted that public limited companies, public organisations, commercial contractors, and forestry businesses are not eligible for these grants.
How could you use the grant?
The Added Value grant can be used to pay for capital items, including machinery, equipment or buildings that will add value to the process.
Such projects could include processing agricultural products into new products or adding value to the existing products (including packaging, sorting, grading, etc).
The projects could also focus on generating wider benefits for the environment or promote new collaborations of partnerships.
Make note that this is a competitive grant, and the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will prioritise projects that meet a range of the funding aims. So, you are advised to apply as soon as possible.
Applications for the funding will close on 21 July 2022. You can apply here.
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