Support for Farmers

The National Farmers Union (NFU) is a representation body for agriculture and horticulture in England and Wales.

Their purpose is to champion British agriculture and horticulture, to campaign for a stable and sustainable future for British farmers and to secure the best possible deal for their members.

You can find our more about them on their website below. 

The government has lots of support and advice to help you navigate the transition period. You can find information on what you need to do as a farming business to trade with the EU on their website.

The National Farmers Union (NFU) International Trade Team is working to ensure opportunities arising from the UK's global trading position are realised. The interests of British farmers must be protected and promoted. 

NFU want trade outcomes that supports UK farmers to grow their businesses and to grow food for Britain and beyond. This needs to be achieved whilst meeting the high standards and expectations of the UK public and government in how food is produced. 

You can find out more information on their website.

The Additional Restrictions Grant Growth Fund is now available for local businesses. Through the scheme there are 3 grants available:

1. Business start-up programme
2. Rural diversification grant
3. Town centre business enhancement grant

The grants are aimed at stimulating growth and diversification in the Melton area. They are available to local businesses who can demonstrate that any funding received will go towards supporting either growth within their business or supporting growth in the local economy.

Due to the limited amount of funding available the following considerations will be considered when assessing grant applications

• The amount of funding leveraged by the grant award
• Jobs created and/or safeguarded
• Wider impact on the local economy
• Encouraging sustainable business practices

Applications can be submitted from Fri 27 Aug 2021 until 31 Jan 2022 or until or grant money is expended.

The Farming Investment Fund provides grants to improve productivity and bring environmental benefits. The Farming Investment Fund is made up of 2 separate funds:

• Farming Equipment and Technology Fund (for grants between £2,000 and £25,000)
• Farming Transformation Fund (for grants between £35,000 and £500,000)

Farming Equipment and Technology Fund

This fund provides grants towards the cost of equipment and technology to improve the productivity of farms in a sustainable way.

Farming Transformation Fund

This fund provides grants towards large capital items to help businesses improve productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability. They are:

• Water Management Grant is open now for applications and will close on 12 January 2022.
• Improving Farm Productivity is opening later this year.
• Adding Value Grant is opening next year. 

How to Apply

The Round 1 application period opens on 16 November 2021 and will close on 7 January 2022.

The government have various Rural grant and payment scheme that you may be eligible for. Visit their website at the link below to find out about:

• Online applications & payments
• Basic Payment Scheme (BPS)
• Rural Development
• Cross Compliance
• Common Agricultural Cap (CAP) Reform

The Farming Community Network is the first port of call for pastoral and practical support for anyone in the farming community, with a particular focus on farmers and farming families. The helpline is available every day of the year, 7am to 11pm.

Addington Fund is a charity helping to relocate those who have lost their farming home through no fault of their own. 

The Farming Help Charities are working together to support the Farming Community during the current coronavirus outbreak.

It is a collaboration between Addington Fund, Farming Community Network (FCN), Forage Aid, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) and the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.S.A.B.I), supported by The Prince’s Countryside Fund.

You can find out more at their website below or by calling 0300 111 999 (which is a support line run by the Farming Community Network). 

Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. The charity campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

You can find our more on their website below.