It has been announced today by DEFRA that the third round of the Farming & Forestry Improvement Scheme Grant, which expects to award around £10 million of grants to successful applicants will be launched on the 4 February 2014 and will then close on the 4 April 2014.
The Grant Aid is paid in arrears, so any successful applicant will need to purchase and install the items before claiming the grant from DEFRA.
The maximum grant per business for this around is now £35,000 and the minimum is £2,500.
Applicants who have already received grant funding in previous rounds are still eligible to apply for the full £35,000.
Items that are likely to be funded under this grant are sub-divided into themes which include;
- Nutrient management
- Energy efficiency
- Water management
- Animal health and welfare
- Forestry
Carys Williams of Rostons, comments that this third round of funding was expected last autumn and it was thought that it may not become available. However, this good news means that many farmers may be eligible for funding for some capital items to assist them.
Rostons are assisting potential recipients with their applications and should you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Team on 01829 773000.