LIVESTOCK handling equipment, robotic milking parlours and GPS technology are amongst items now being supported by the LEADER grant scheme with potentially up to 40% grant funding on offer. The basis of the grant funding is to increase agricultural productivity and animal welfare. Funding is also being streamed towards supporting farm diversification projects, produce processing and farm tourism.

A recent successful LEADER award for a Greenslade Taylor Hunt client included the purchase of a new precision direct drill to minimise soil compaction, reduce cultivation costs and ultimately boost profits. The applicant received nearly £15,000 of funding, representing a huge 40% of the purchase cost and allowing for a significant boost in the efficiency of cultivations.

Agricultural surveyor James Wotton MRICS FAAV from Greenslade Taylor Hunt said: “LEADER grants have started to move into focus for agricultural businesses with grants ranging from £2,500 to £100,000.

“The scheme has always been overshadowed by a complex application process, however with considerable rural grant funding expertise, our latest successful applicant should have the funds in their account within three months of our initial meeting.”

The scheme is administered by Local Action Groups who will consider a huge variety of projects that boost agricultural and forestry productivity, improve animal welfare or promote farm diversification. If you have a project that you think may be eligible and would like to discuss LEADER grants further, please contact a member of the GTH Rural Professional Departments.

Sedgemoor 01278-410250 james.wotton@gth.net

Tiverton 01884-243000 kirsty.short@gth.net

Yeovil 01935-423474 jamie.batt@gth.net