Welsh Rural Development Grants July 31, 2015 12:00 am The Welsh Government has launched four grant schemes under the Rural Development Programme for Wales. The table below indicates the budget, expected number of grants and application windows. All have a two stage application window, firstly an Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted (in word and emailed). If successful a full application will need to be completed. Grant Estimated Budget Expected Full Applications EOI Window Full Application window Food Business Investment Scheme £8m 40 20 July-30 Sept 30 Nov-31 May Sustainable Production Grant Scheme £2m 40 27 July-30 Sept 30 Nov-31 May Rural Communities Development Fund £6m 100 20 July-31 Jan 30 Apr-31 Oct Co-operation £10m 20 3 Aug-14 Oct 14 Dec-14 May The Food Business Investment Scheme awards grants of up to 40% for capital investment in equipment (and associated costs) for processing agricultural products. Minimum grants are of £2,400 with the maximum grant of £5,000,000. Full guidance and EOI forms can be found at http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/cap/ruraldevelopment/wales-rural-development-programme-2014-2020/food-business-investment-scheme/?lang=en The Sustainable Production Grant (SPG) is the scheme which will be of most interest to farmers. It will provide funds to help modernise their on farm facilities to improve both the economic and environmental performance of their business. Grants of up to 40% of eligible costs are available; the minimum threshold is £16,000 with a maximum grant of £400,000 allowed. This can be used to invest in facilities and equipment that relates to one of the following five themes: Animal Health & Welfare Crop Storage Production housing & handling Soil & crop management The scheme is open to businesses involved in the primary production of agricultural products; it is not available to forestry operations. Existing farming businesses must have been trading for a minimum of two years; start up businesses need to contact the SPG team for further advice. It is only possible to make one application over the lifetime of the Programme i.e. to 2020. Full guidance and EOI forms can be found at http://gov.wales/topics/environmentcountryside/farmingandcountryside/cap/ruraldevelopment/wales-rural-development-programme-2014-2020/sustainable-production-grant-scheme/?lang=en The Rural Community Development Fund is not directly aimed at farmers, it will fund wider community projects through Local Action Groups LAGs), local community groups etc. Its priority is to facilitate the supply and use of renewable energy, by-products, wastes and residues, foster local development in rural areas and enhance the use and accessibility of information and communication technology (ICT). Details of the Co-operation grants have not yet been published.
