RURAL businesses in Worcestershire have until this Friday (January 19)
to apply for up to £50K grants through the Leading Rural Business
Programme (LEADER).
Part of the Rural Development Programme for England, LEADER is delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Action Group on behalf of Defra.
The focus of the programme is on growing the economies of rural
communities by enabling local people to identify and implement solutions
to local problems.
A farm in Worcestershire has recently benefited from a LEADER grant, allowing them to purchase new equipment.
Hill Court Farm near Pershore, a cattle farm, used the grant to
purchase a Mzuri strip till drill, which will improve soil structure and
make considerable savings on diesel per year. The family-run mixed
arable and beef farm has around 200 beef cattle, cider fruit orchards
and around 500 acres of crops.
Edward Righton, Owner of Hill Court Farm, said: “Thanks to LEADER, we
will be able to considerably reduce the amount of time and diesel used
in the establishment of crops thanks to the new Mzuri strip till drill.
We estimate that we will save around £7,000 worth of diesel per year.”
Businesses can apply for funding between £2,500 and £50,000. They
should demonstrate a benefit to the local rural economy which should
contribute to the creation of jobs or the development of business in
rural Worcestershire.There are two further deadlines for funding this
year, April 13 and July 6. On Tuesday, January 30 an agri-tech
roundtable discussion will also take place at The Hive.
In partnership with Worcestershire Business Central, the aim of the
session is to allow businesses working in agri-tech to showcase their
services, connect with other businesses in the sector and discuss growth
plans. For more information, visit the Worcestershire Business Central
website.
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