Farmers across Yorkshire and the North East have welcomed the launch of the new Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme (FFIS) as part of Defra's revision of the Rural Development Programme for England.
The new £20m small grants scheme is being launched today by Defra minister Jim Paice and will see farmers, foresters and horticulturalists able to apply for grants ranging from £2,500 to £25,000.
Aimed at helping farm businesses become more profitable, while reducing their environmental footprint, the scheme will focus on themes including nutrient management, energy efficiency, water harvesting and animal health and welfare.
Commenting, North East NFU regional director Barney Kay said he was pleased that the new scheme appeared to be very practical in its approach and more farmer friendly.
"From a farmer's perspective, the most important thing is that RDPE programmes are easily accessible and focus on providing practical support that will help make a difference to their business' bottom line," he said.
"At first glance this certainly appears to be the case, with efforts made to break down some of the barriers to achieving RDPE funding and a consistent approach now being adopted right across England.
"We understand that just some of the on-farm investment that could be eligible includes EID equipment, GPS systems to help improve nutrient management and high-end slurry injectors.
"This will be welcomed by many farmers keen to invest in their businesses, become more productive and profitable but at the same time dealing with the many environmental challenges we face including increasing water and energy efficiency.
“I am also pleased to see that upland farms will be eligible for up to 50 per cent funding, as we remain very concerned about the vulnerability of the hill farming sector that represents such a large part of our North East farming make-up. "
No comments have been made.