Defra Grant Rural Enterprise Scheme Review
Defra Grant Rural Enterprise Scheme
Defra Grant Rural Enterprise Scheme
The Defra Rural Enterprise Scheme covers a very broad spectrum of potentially eligible activities, ranging from those designed to produce a commercial return, to those where the primary aim is to provide social and/or environmental benefits. Any project must fall within the categories covered by the European Union rules - Articles 4 and 33 of Council Regulation 1257/99, under which the scheme has been devised. The following list is a guide to help you identify the different areas covered by the scheme:-
Setting up of farm relief and farm management services.
This could include the setting up or expanding of labour and/or machinery rings or other farm support services; milking, shepherding or environmental grazing services; farm management or secretarial support and farm relief to cover for farmers' absences for training, holidays or other reasons.
Marketing of quality agricultural products
i.e. those with identifiable quality attributes which raise the product above the basic 'commodity' level. This could include projects to raise the quality of production to meet market needs, the formation or development of collaborative groups to market quality products, marketing of organic products, consumer and quality assurance schemes, speciality foods, establishing farmers' markets, regional or local branding of foodstuffs, etc.
Basic services for the rural economy and population
This could involve pump-priming projects designed to support local communities and the rural economy and local population such as minibus links, voluntary carer or 'out of school' childcare schemes, information and communication technology links and other types of infrastructure for dispersed rural communities.
Renovation and development of villages and protection and conservation of the rural heritage
This could include projects that promote the revival or expansion of local artisan crafts (thatching, stone masonry, wood carving, hedge-laying, etc), village museums, access to historical features and landscapes and the renovation of historic village buildings.
Diversification of agricultural activities and activities close to agriculture to provide multiple activities or alternative incomes
This could include the production and marketing of new or non-mainstream crops or livestock products, or the conversion of agricultural buildings to new non-agricultural uses and non-farming activities on the farm.
Agricultural water resources management
This could include projects aimed at improving the management of these resources through, for example, the construction of water storage facilities and associated equipment.
Development and improvement of infrastructure connected with the development of agriculture
This could include local infrastructure projects designed to benefit agriculture, such as the provision or upgrading of access roads or bridges, and the provision of local energy or technological infrastructures.
Encouragement for tourist and craft activities
Projects could include the marketing and promotion of local tourist initiatives, upgrading accommodation, facilities for on-farm tourist activities and craft activities and links to local food catering.
Protection of the environment in connection with agriculture, forestry and landscape conservation as well as with the improvement of animal welfare
Especially projects designed in terms of producing or sustaining a commercial enterprise which, for example, enhances country leisure pursuits.
While financial help for farmers is a the enterprise grants primary aim, you do not have to be a farmer to benefit from the scheme: a range of other rural businesses (partnerships and companies) and rural community groups will also be able to receive funding. The final beneficiaries of this grant aid, however, must be non-public sector organisations. Support may also be given to bodies which promote and co-ordinate multiple applications related to a specific theme, sector, or area.
The scheme is available throughout England, except designated Objective 1 areas (Merseyside, South Yorkshire, Cornwall and the Scilly Isles) where separate funding schemes apply. A particular target for aid will be projects which benefit designated EU Objective 2 rural areas, to reflect their special need for assistance within the EU context. Your local Defra office will be able to tell you whether you are located in an Objective 1 or 2 area.