The latest funding opportunities for farmers are explained in this update from Madge Moore, Chair of the Yorkshire Food Farming and Rural Network, a group supported by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.
As agricultural policies change, farming businesses are having to adapt, bringing about both challenges and opportunities for productivity and profitability.
At YFFRN, we believe that the opportunities that this period of change brings should be made as clear as possible to all farming businesses, which is why, as part of our work to support farming families, we are providing a digest of relevant funding schemes that you may wish to consider applying to, or discussing further with a trusted advisor.
Here’s an update of what’s currently available.
Animal Health and Welfare Infrastructure Grants
An opportunity for farmers to receive co-funding for large infrastructure projects that help to continually improve the health and welfare of their animals.
Grants of between £15,000 and £500,000 are available.
Defra: Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant
Available for cattle keepers to co-fund new and upgraded calf housing that improves social contact (rearing calves in small groups) and the ambient environment.
This includes adequate ventilation, protection from draughts, and suitable temperature and humidity.
The grant is competitive, so the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) will prioritise calf housing projects that have the biggest impact on animal health and welfare and have considered innovation and environmental outcomes.
Grants of between £15,000 and £500,000 are available.
Rural England Prosperity Fund
The Rural England Prosperity Fund aims to support capital projects for small businesses and community infrastructure, to help improve productivity and strengthen the rural economy and rural communities.
Capital funding is available for:
- New and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities of wider benefit to the local economy, including farm businesses looking to diversify.
- New and improved community infrastructure to provide essential community services and assets for local people and businesses to benefit the local economy.
Applicants must use funding on capital projects, which means spending grants on lasting assets such as a building or equipment.
Future Farm Resilience Fund
The Future Farming Resilience Fund is designed to provide business support to farmers and land managers during the early years of the agricultural transition.
It does this by awarding grants to organisations who help farmers and land managers to:
- Understand the changes that are happening
- Identify how, what and when they may need to adapt their business models
- Access tailored support to adapt.
Here is a list of every provider in England, grouped by county.
Funding in Protected Landscapes
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme is a part of Defra’s Agricultural Transition Plan. It will offer funding to farmers and land managers in AONBs, National Parks and the Broads. It is not an agri-environment scheme.
The programme will fund projects that:
- Support nature recovery
- Mitigate the impacts of climate change
- Provide opportunities for people to discover, enjoy and understand the landscape and its cultural heritage
- Protect or improve the quality and character of the landscape or place
The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has been developed by Defra with the support of AONBs and National Park staff from across England. The programme will run until March 2025.
To find out more, see:
*Opening soon*
The Royal Countryside Fund – Supporting Rural Communities
Supporting Rural Communities is The Royal Countryside Fund’s flagship grant programme, awarding £500,000 each year to power community-led solutions that enhance the viability and sustainability of rural communities.
Grants are for a maximum of £25,000 over two years, and applicants must be from properly constituted, not for profit organisations with an income of less than £500,000.
The programme support projects taking places in villages and towns in rurally isolated areas, where access to services is limited.
Grant opens: Friday 8th September 2023
We hope you found this helpful
All details are correct, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of publication.
Are you aware of something we’ve missed? Get in touch by emailing yffrn@yas.co.uk
Would you like more information? Sign up to receive our e-newsletter for intermediary partners interested in agri-food, rural and farming in North Yorkshire, here.
