Under the LEADER scheme, you can apply to your Local Action Group (LAG) for funding (for projects for up to 40% of eligible costs) that create jobs, help your business to grow, and benefit the rural economy. A total of £138 million is available in the England between 2015 and 2020 under the scheme.
Projects must support one or more of the 6 LEADER priorities. These are to:
- support micro and small businesses and farm diversification
- boost rural tourism
- increase farm productivity
- increase forestry productivity
- provide rural services
- provide cultural and heritage activities
NFU county adviser for Holland (Lincs), Danny O’Shea, said: “This is a great opportunity for members to invest in projects which would help to move the industry forward, benefiting both the rural and UK economy.
“I would encourage all members to at least take a look at this funding and see if it is something that could help their businesses grow.”
How to apply
To find out more, or to apply, you should contact your LAG. You can find your LAG and their contact details via the LEADER funding map or the approved LEADER group contact list.
More information can be found at WWW.GOV.UK.
Interesting fact
LEADER is a French acronym (Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale) which roughly translates as ‘Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development’.