Grants for Welsh farmers

The awards are giving to help improve the economic and environmental performance of agricultural holdings, giving a 40 per cent contribution towards capital investments in equipment and machinery.

Sarah Wedge, land agent with Davis Meade Property Consultants at Oswestry said the investments would have to offer clear and measurable benefits to farm enterprises.

“Available over four years, the £40 million funding pot offers grants from a minimum of £3,000 up to a maximum £12,000,” she said.

“The fourth round of the scheme has opened and farmers have until June 29 to make an application through Rural Payments Wales.”

The capital items available through the discretionary scheme follow five themes, Animal Health, Performance and Genetics, Crop Management, Resource Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and ICT.

Sarah said farms may apply in more than one application round but only one grant award will be allowed per farm under this scheme.

"All businesses applying for the Farm Business Grant will be required to register their business with Farming Connect in advance of applying and eligibility for the Farm Business Grant requires a partner in the business to attend a ‘Farming for the Future’ event organised

by Farming Connect. The individual attending must be registered as a business partner with Farming Connect and Welsh Government Rural Payment Wales."

The business must have a minimum of three hectares of agricultural land or be able to demonstrate 550 standard labour hours, which will be determined at registration with Farming Connect. Businesses with a total turnover exceeding £1 million are not eligible for the grant.

Equine and woodland-only owners are not eligible for support.

The fifth window for application will run from August 6 to October 5.

For advice or help with an application contact Sarah Wedge at the Oswestry office of Davis Meade Property Consultants on 01691 659658, email sarahwedge@dmpcuk.com.