*** 09/06/2022***
This grant scheme is now open with the online checker now available for applications, the checker will close on 21st July 2022. Grants will cover up to 40% of project costs, with grants of between £25,000 and £300,000 available. If your project scores highly enough you will be contacted following the closing date with an invitation to submit a full application, which must be submitted prior to 31st January 2024.
Next month a new part of the Farming Investment Fund will be released, this pathway is called the 'Adding Value' Grant. The grant will be released to help farmers and growers diversify their businesses, add value to products by further processing them.
This grant is designed to help pay for capital items that allow the business to add value to eligible agricultural products after harvesting or rearing. Items which may be eligible include the following:
equipment for the preparation or processing of edible agricultural products, such as cheese making equipment.
second stage processing equipment for processing of grain
processing equipment for non-edible agricultural products such as wool, hides, skins, flax or hemp.
retailing equipment for eligible agricultural products, such as vending machines of display facilities
premises required for adding value, including integral storage areas.
The grant is not set to launch until June, but the manual for this grant is now available online so that you can start preparing for an application.
There will be an online eligibility checker which will be launched when the grant opens, this has been designed to give you an idea of your chance of success. If you score highly, you will then be invited to submit a full application, which will need to be submitted by 31st January 2024 along with any supporting documents required. If planning is required for the project, full planning approvals must be submitted with your application.
If you would help with an application or would like to discuss your idea with Gemma do get in touch on 07533340847 or gemma@blackdownconsulting.co.uk