The NFU is seeking clarity from government on grants and business rates holidays in relation to a range of members’ diversifications. This article sets out ways you can provide us with evidence to assist us in this work.

In March, the government announced two types of grants available to small businesses:

• Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant – up to £25,000
• Small Business Grant – up to £10,000

While these do not apply to agricultural businesses they may apply to some non-agricultural diversifications on farms.

The grant of up to £25,000 is available to businesses falling within the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors which have a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000.

The £10,000 grant is available to all types of business with a rateable value of less than £15,000.

There is however a lack of detail as to some types of property which the government has not yet clarified. The grants will be given at the discretion of local authorities who will be writing to those businesses they feel are eligible.

Help the NFU act on behalf of farming businesses

To assist the NFU in clarifying what is being considered as retail, leisure and hospitality we would like to hear from you if you have a diversification which you feel logically should be within these categories.

• Please click here to email us if you have received a letter or been given a grant
• Please click here to email us if you have not received a letter or have been denied a grant.

In either case please give brief details of the type of diversification and which local authority you fall under.

If you have a diversification which is currently non-operational or significantly impacted by COVID-19, which you know does not fall within the scope of the Retail, Hospitality and Leisure Grant and has a rateable value of between £15,000 and £51,000 we would also like to hear from you with details of the diversification and impact. Please click here to email us.