Welsh dairy farmers planning on investing in new technology and equipment could benefit from grants worth up to £12,000 after the Welsh Government announced today (19 August) a new expression of interest window for the Farm Business Grant will open on 1st September.
Rural Affairs Minister, Lesley Griffiths, said a budget of £2m will be available for farmers to invest in new technology and equipment to improve their technical, financial and environmental performance.
The expression of interest window is open from 1 September to 1 October with successful applicants having four months to purchase and claim for the items supported.
The Farm Business Grant comes from funds remaining within the Rural Development Programme. It provides grants from £3,000 to £12,000, which offer a maximum 40% contribution and allow farmers to make important investments in their businesses to support production efficiencies and improve productivity.
The grant provides funding towards the cost of a wide range of equipment, from handling systems and technology for precision farming to tools for more efficient use of resources.
RABDF Managing Director Matt Knight said: “This is a great opportunity for Welsh dairy farmers to invest in some new equipment or technology that can help improve the efficiency and sustainability of their business. The expression of interest application window is quite short, so we would recommend farmers to do their homework now, so they are ready to apply come 1st September.”
Ms Griffiths added: “I would urge farmers with an interest to start thinking now of the improvements they want to make and how the grant could help them, so they are able to put in a strong expression of interest within the timescales and which meets their needs.”