This round of the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme has now closed, if you are a successful applicant, remember your Grant Claim Form needs to be submitted with all other information in the specified claim period which for most applicants is mid September. Please get in touch with Rostons if you have any issues, we will endeavour to assist you as ever with agricultural advice.
We understand livestock handling system equipment has been in such high demand and delivery of equipment has been delayed. However, Grant Fund Claims for livestock handling equipment can now be submitted with an estimated delivery date instead of proof of delivery and installation. Hopefully this will allow all successful applicants to submit their Grant Claim Forms in the 150 day window following approval.
Rostons are expecting another round of small grant funding to be announced in October 2018, so if you missed out last time another chance should be just around the corner.
The Rural Development Programme for England Countryside Productivity Scheme is open until 3rd December. The scheme provides large project funding to increase farm productivity and efficiency through robotics, specialist technology to aid renewable energy production and more targeted slurry, manure and digestate use.
Ellen Bryan of Rostons, Land and Property Experts comments that “the grants will not cover normal business costs, e.g. updating an older milking parlour facility, but will contribute to items such as a new robotic milking system which will improve general herd management by monitoring herd health, milk production and quality”.
There is a minimum grant claim value of £35,000, with the grant only available for up to 40% of the total eligible spend (be careful here, all general business costs must be excluded), meaning your total eligible scheme cost must be £87,500 or over. Rostons, as Land Agents in Cheshire are here to help with all your grant funding and farming needs.
As land agents in Cheshire, Rostos can help ensure your application includes justification that funding meets grant objectives and is good value for taxpayer money. Schemes must also increase business: productivity, resilience, efficiency or innovation. Don’t worry, we can help you with this. Strong applications will also show future resulting business growth or development of a business collaboration or business partnerships.