£30 million of funding grants, announced by the Environment Secretary today, will enable farmers in England to purchase equipment to process, diversify and add value to their produce.
Funding from the Farming Investment Fund (FIF) could mean farmers will be able to purchase premises and equipment for the preparation or processing of agricultural produce. For example, turning milk into cheese or yoghurt, processing meat into sausages, and potatoes into crisps or chips; or equipment such as vending machines and display facilities for selling food direct to customers.
The funding will be offered in sums between £25,000 and £300,000. More information on the Adding Value grant is available on GOV.UK. It is also being announced today that the first round of new Slurry Infrastructure grants, worth £13 million, will open later this autumn. These new grants will help livestock farmers in England to upgrade their slurry storage and nutrient management systems and, in so doing, help reduce water and air pollution from slurry. Guidance for applicants is now available on GOV.UK.