The RPA have announced £40M of Countryside Productivity Scheme funding. With breadth, experience, imagination, a track record of success and the capacity to move fast, the team at Brown&Co are optimally placed to access this money for you.
The funds are for grants of up to 40% of project costs, with a minimum grant of £35,000. There are two new strands of funding, ‘Adding value to agri-food’ and ‘Improving farm productivity’.
Adding Value to Agri-food
This is a grant to improve the processing of your primary agricultural products, to shorten your supply chains and deliver success to your business.
The grant is for equipment and machinery as well as the construction or improvement of buildings associated with all aspects of processing. A knowledge of supply chain demands, quality control procedures and a depth of appreciation of the business of primary producers is essential for success.
Table 1 Priorities for Adding Value to Agri-food.
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Benefit the supply chain |
Shortens supply chains and / or provides direct benefits (for example higher prices or the ability to market higher volumes) |
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Create higher value products |
Improves the processing of products to add value |
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Improve productivity |
Introduces new processes, techniques or equipment to improve the productivity of your business |
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Introduce innovation |
Adopts innovative technologies |
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Grow your business |
Increases turnover and profitability, accesses new markets or creates new jobs |
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Encourage collaboration and partnerships |
Creates new supply chain links between businesses and shares resources e.g Collaborative processing & storage |
The deadline for expressions of interest in the Agri-food fund is the 29th June 2018.
Improving Farm Productivity
Built to interest the innovative farmer, eligible costs are for robotic equipment, energy efficient equipment and equipment for improvements in management of farm slurry and manure. This application requires a depth of knowledge in farm infrastructure and technology which is in abundance at Brown&Co. We recently delivered great results for a large number of farmers who had requirements for equipment ranging from slurry dribble bars to No-till Drills. We have the proven track record to deliver success.
Table 2 Priorities for Improving Farm Productivity.
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Improve productivity |
Introduces new processes, techniques or equipment to improve productivity or resource management |
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Enhance resilience |
Makes your farming operation more resilient to climate change and reduces its environmental impact |
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Improve efficiency |
Improves nutrient management or optimises field and livestock operations |
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Introduce innovation |
Adopts innovative farm technologies |
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Grow your business |
Increases turnover or profitability, or creates new jobs |
|
Encourage collaboration and partnerships |
Creates new links between businesses and shares resources |
The deadline for applications to the Improving Farm Productivity fund is the 3rd December 2018.
A Record of Success
Brown&Co have already secured in excess of £1.2M of funding for clients and have in excess of £3M in process under the latest Grant round. Contact your local office who will provide the expertise and insight required to capitalise on this opportunity for your business.