A new £20 million fund to boost profits for rural
businesses and reduce their impact on the environment has been
launched.
The Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) forms part of
Defra's Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) and is open
to farmers, farming contractors, woodland owners and forestry and
horticultural businesses.
Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to £25,000
for projects that:
* save energy and reduce carbon emissions;
* improve soil quality and reduce dependence on artificial
fertilisers through better use and storage of manures;
* improve animal health and welfare;
* save and recycle water, rainwater harvesting and storage;
and
* promote woodland management by processing timber more
efficiently and adding value to woodlands.
There will be extra help for upland areas with an enhanced grant
rate of up to 50 per cent of costs compared to 40 per cent in
non upland areas. The maximum grant allowable per farm is
£25,000, with a minimum grant of £2,500 per
project.
"The grant will cover a wide range of capital items such as
slurry separators and improving slurry application equipment, heat
recovery systems and computer software to improve energy
efficiency, rainwater harvesting equipment and roofing clamps to
exclude rainwater, water storage facilities such as reservoirs,
equipment to improve livestock handling and health, and timber
processing machinery and equipment," explained Mandy Seedhouse,
planning and grant specialist with Berrys at Shrewsbury.
"The first round of the scheme is open until January 17, 2012 so
we would urge clients to come to us as soon as possible with their
ideas so we can guide them through the application process.
As well as completing the application form there are
requirements to provide supporting documents and relevant statutory
approvals for some items."
"It is possible that planning permission will be required for
certain projects such as the construction of water reservoirs or
slurry storage facilities. Some of these items may be covered by
permitted development rights but initial advice is recommended.
Berrys has a specialist planning team to submit planning
applications where required."
"The closing date for applications under the first round of
funding is January 17, 2012 however it is intended that the
FFIS will re-open every 4 months until the end of 2013. This means
that there is time to obtain any necessary consents such as
planning permission before the next round - even if you miss this
first deadline."
Berrys has already received several enquiries about the FISS and
also for the Shropshire Rural Challenge Fund which is a further
grant for rural business but is only available in
Shropshire.
"This offers capital funding of between £7,500 and
£40,000 for projects in rural areas and some of the market
towns for projects that keep spend in the local community," Mandy
said.
Projects can include those which can demonstrate long term
sustainability, support or provide essential services, activities
that directly encourage visitors to an area and community
projects.
"Expressions of interest can be submitted from now until the end
of November so again we recommend acting quickly if you are
interested."
If you think you may be interested in either of the above grants
or would like help in making an application contact Mandy Seedhouse
at Berrys on 01743 271697 or email
mandy.seedhouse@berrybros.com
For more information about Berrys, please visit their website
here: www.berrybros.com