The grants are funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The government has guaranteed funding for RDPE Countryside Productivity Scheme grants if they are agreed and signed before the UK’s departure from the EU, even if the grant agreements continue after we have left the EU. This is subject to projects meeting the following conditions:
The four grants are improving farm productivity, adding value to agri-food, water resource management and improving forestry productivity.
Improving Farm Productivity
The priorities are to improve farm productivity through:
However, they can’t be used to fund:
The grant is for a minimum of £35,000. However, the grant can cover up to 40% of the eligible costs of a project. Therefore, the minimum total cost of a project would be £87,500.
The eligible costs include:
o Associated equipment for the use of renewable heat generated on farm. Costs can include pipework, heat exchangers and pumps, but not the heat source.
o Installation of electrical battery storage system to enable better use of renewable electricity produced on the farm.
o Installation of automated thermal screens in glasshouses to aid climate control.
o Installation of wavelength specific LED lighting to aid crop growth and pest control.
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