Funding to support local farmer
The first grant has been awarded by the Fieldfare LEADER Local Action Group to help a local farmer improve his visitor accommodation facilities.
The project funding will enable Jamie Butler of Whitewool Farm, East Meon, to increase the accommodation offer on the farm and is an example of how farmers are diversifying into non-farming activities to ensure the future of farming in the area.
Fieldfare is responsible for allocating Rural Development Programme for England funding across Eastleigh, East Hampshire, Winchester and Havant areas on behalf of Defra and has access to £1.67m to support rural projects. The programme is open to applications until the end of 2020.
Ken Brown, Rural Economy Manager at Winchester City Council, is impressed with the quality of the applications received so far.
He said:
We have had a great level of interest from local businesses, and hope to allocate even more funds over the next few months. This is an important aspect of our collaborative work to support local businesses during these difficult times.
Fieldfare is made up of a dedicated group of farmers, businesses and community representatives. We meet regularly to decide how best we can support the local rural economy by allocating the grant funding. We have to make some tough decisions, but we are committed to spending LEADER funding for the good of the local economy.
Information about the Fieldfare LEADER programme can be found at www.Fieldfareleader.org.uk or by emailing Ken kbrown@winchester.gov.uk