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Second round of funding for the popular Countryside
Productivity Small Grants scheme open for
applications.
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£15 million available for farmers and rural businesses
to invest in new equipment and technology.
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Plans are being developed for a further round of
funding worth £15 million in 2020.
The next funding round for the popular Countryside Productivity
Small Grants scheme has opened for applications today (Tuesday 9
July).
Through the initiative, farm businesses can apply for grants of
between £3,000 and £12,000 to help them invest in new and
innovative technology. Today’s announcement follows the first
round of funding in 2018 when £15 million was awarded to
successful applicants.
For the second round of funding, 26 new items have been added to
the list of equipment available, including chlorophyll meters,
which instantly measure the chlorophyll content of a plant leaf.
Another new item is the portable ammonia analyser, which can be
used to check the levels of ammonia in farm buildings. Farmers
and rural businesses will have eight weeks to submit an
application for this funding.
The evidence shows that smart use of technology boosts
productivity and yields, but also improves animal welfare and the
environment. For instance, it can help farmers be more precise in
the application of fertiliser, or ensure that the correct levels
of medicine are being for animals.
Grants are available for all farm types, including livestock,
horticulture and arable businesses, with a total pot of £15
million available to fund investments in new technology.
Farming Minister said:
“The small grants scheme proved to be so popular in the first
round because it gives farmers access to equipment that can
deliver quick and tangible improvements.
“This isn’t just about increasing yields; it’s also about using
the best tools and equipment that can improve animal welfare and
the environment, such as monitoring the levels of nitrogen in
crops.
“As we leave the EU we want more farmers to be able to invest in
this kind of technology that can boost the bottom line and make a
real difference.”
Defra is developing plans for a third £15 million funding round
in 2020, with details to be confirmed later this year to give
potential applicants and suppliers sufficient time to prepare.
Farmers and land managers interested in finding out more or
wishing to apply for a grant can visit GOV.UK to see the total
list of items eligible for grants under this scheme.
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Grants can support up to 40% of the eligible cost of an item, or
up to 50% for farmers based in Cornwall and the Isles of
Scilly.
Those who applied during the first funding round can also submit
a new application to receive further funding in this new round.
The total value of their two applications must not exceed the
£12,000 threshold.
