Grants update - May 2009

There are a number of grants now available for farmers and agricultural related businesses. These grants have their own specific deadlines and it is important to make your application as soon as possible if you want to take advantage of them.

Natural England's Livestock Programme

Grants can be applied for under 3 categories:

  • Topic 1: Resource efficiency & nutrient management plans: Contact- Sandra Callwood of Promar on 0870 870 7380
  • Topic 2: Animal health & welfare plans: Contact Ian Cairns of SAC on 01668 283363
  • Topic 3: Monitor Farms, support for groups and farm demos: Contact Kate Gascoyne of Cumbria Farming Network on 01768 868615

ICT Network Support Kath Lowe Myerscough College 01995 64225. www.livestocknw.co.uk

Grants are available up to £8,000 per project with a minimum grant of £2,000, no more than £12,000 per business can be claimed from the total grant pot.

You cannot apply for any grants until you have done one or more of the following:

  • resource efficiency planning
  • animal health planning
  • nutrient management planning

These initial consultations cost between £150-£160 + VAT and can not be claimed as part of the grant funding.

Animal Health & Nutrition consultation will involve 1 day with Technical advisor, 1 day with vet (local if taking part in programme) In addition to this you will be able to undertake sampling to identify diseases/conditions that may be presenting a negative effect on animal health & welfare. Sampling may include blood or milk screening faecal testing of analysis of forage or soil samples to the total value of £250.

Applications will be quarterly with the first application window opening May 2009; application packs should be available from March 2009.This programme will run until 2013 unless the target of 2000 plans is delivered before this date. (Not many considering the area which is covered).

Eligible items: Currently being approved by Defra.

You can be put on the waiting list for an application form by applying on the numbers provided above.

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