Diversification & Grants

Farmers and rural businesses are forever being advised to diversify in order to become less reliant upon their income from primary production.

The term ‘diversification’ covers a multitude of options, and is often easier said than done. To be successful requires determination and commitment.

Laurence Goulds’ long presence within the rural sector means that it has observed and experienced both successful and unsuccessful projects and its consultants are able to guide individuals through the process to maximise the chances of success.

For any new business the owner needs to understand the market, the opportunities within the market, where the venture fits in and who will manage its formation and ongoing operation. This needs to be clear at the outset to avoid issues arising at a later date. Too often the initial planning stage is rushed without thinking long term.

We can help with

• Feasibility studies
• Business plans
• Advice on Best Practice
• Assessing the market
• Financial Forecasts
• Sourcing Finance
• Appropriate Business Structures
• Grant Aid

Whether you are aim to enhance an existing enterprise or set up a new venture please contact your local office.

Both farmers and Agri Food businesses can now gain access to grants provided through the EU and National Government.

Laurence Gould have had particular success in obtaining grant funding for projects under:
Rural Enterprise Scheme (England)
Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
ERDP Training Scheme
EU Fruit & Vegetable Regime
Farm and Agricultural Business Development Scheme
Welsh Development Agency Farming Connect

Grant funding is available to support diversification schemes for farmers and landowners across the UK and also to processors and cooperatives adding value to agricultural products.

Scottish Rural Development Plan

Background
The Scottish Rural Development Programme (SRDP) is the new vehicle that will be used by the Scottish Government from Spring 2008 to provide grant funding to land managers. The SRDP will provide a new approach to grant funding for land managers and rural communities over the period from 2007-2013.

Rural Development Contracts – Land Managers Options
Land Management Contracts (Tier 2) will remain broadly similar to their previous form however they will be renamed Rural Development Contracts-Land Managers Options.

Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities Meanwhile, Rural Development Contracts-Rural Priorities will be the new umbrella scheme pulling together competitive grant schemes for agri-environment (e.g. RSS and OAS), business development (e.g.FBDS), forestry (e.g. SFGS), training and new entrant measures. Some of the measures included in the Rural Development Contracts – Rural Priorities are detailed below:

• Skills development
• Setting up of young farmers
• Restructuring of agricultural businesses
• Manure/ slurry storage & treatment
• Co-operation
• Renewable energy
• Conversion to organic farming
• Diversification out with agriculture
• Unharvested crop
• Species-rich grassland
• Creation & management of water margins & enhanced riparian buffer areas
• Woodland creation
• Sustainable management of forests & woodlands

The link below provides some more information on the SRDP. If you would like to discuss your grant funding options, please do not hesitate to contact the Edinburgh office for more information on 0131 331 3431 or edinburgh@laurencegould.com.

The Rural Development Plan for Wales (RDPW) is currently awaiting approval from the EU and as such there are no agricultural grant schemes operating at the present time.

It is expected that Farming Connect, the main advisory and grant funding service in Wales, will be available to farmers in April 2008 however details have yet to be announced. The availability of grant funding will be very limited however unlike the previous Farming Connect scheme.

There is a possibility of grant funding being available for the Waste Management element of Catchment Sensitive Farming in Wales however again this is awaiting approval.