Cash for rural jobs
Do you have a project idea that will create jobs and boost the local economy?
Farmers, foresters, growers, small businesses and rural communities can now bid for a share of a £1.6m fund across the Eastleigh, East Hampshire, Havant and Winchester rural areas.
We want to hear from you if your project will:
• Create employment opportunities
• Increase farm or forestry productivity / efficiency
• Develop new food and drink markets
• Increase visitor spend in the area or
• Provide an essential rural service.
The grants are available as part of Defra’s Rural Development Programme for England and LEADER is the method of delivering funding to projects through Local Action Groups, ensuring that individuals with local knowledge are involved in key decisions about how funds are spent.
The best applications will be those looking for a piece of equipment or machinery that will help expand their business.
Ken Brown, Rural Economy Manager for Winchester City Council, manages the scheme and said:
We have supported 146 projects to date and this has generated over £8m worth of investment into the local rural economy. Recently, funds have been allocated to Meon Springs to buy shepherds’ huts, for a farmer to buy new equipment and towards shop improvements at Butser Ancient Farm.
The Fieldfare team will provide support throughout the application process and regularly run information events where you can find out what we fund and how to apply. The next one is on 20 April near Winchester. Places need to be booked in advance.
Further details about Fieldfare LEADER can be found at www.Fieldfareleader.org.uk