Support and Grants for Farmers

Funding Opportunities available within Merseyside for the rural sector are primarily via the Objective One programme as this covers rural development initiatives supported the European Agriculture Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF). Funding is based on the same rural development regulation as DEFRA’s England Rural Development Programme (ERDP).

Rural Development Programme

Partners in Merseyside have been working with the North West Development Agency (NWDA) to bring forward proposals for the delivery of the Rural Development Programme (RDPE) in Merseyside for the 2007-13 period. (More...)

Strengthening Rural Communities across the North West

Just because you live in a rural area doesn't mean you should live without key services. Strengthening Rural Communities across the North West is a grant programme to work with the rural communities to help improve and grow the local services available to their residents. (More...)

Objective One - EAGGF

EAGGF is one of four European Structure funds available in Merseyside, details of the other funds are available from the ICEP Project Officer or GONW. EAGGF is the primary source of funding for the rural sector, with approximately £3.5 million pounds available until the end of 2006. All European money is matched by public funds from DEFRA, securing approximately £7 million pounds over three measures for the restructuring and support of rural areas in Merseyside.

Merseyside is one of three areas in England to have Objective One status. The other areas are Cornwall & the Scilly Isles and South Yorkshire. In addition, Wales also has Objective One status. All these areas have an agricultural component to their programmes and are useful for identifying potential projects. However, it should be noted that the funding structures and eligibility criteria vary from region to region

Food Processing and Marketing

Local Food initiatives and food industries in Merseyside are very important. Funding under this measure is up to a maximum of 40% of eligible capital works and more detail is outlined under the sub-heading. The grants are very similar to the Processing and Marketing Grants operating in the rest of England under the ERDP

Forestry

The majority of Merseyside is identified as a ‘community forest, with the exception of Wirral. The Mersey Forest has on behalf of ICEP, drawn down funding from the Forestry and environmental measures in Objective One to run a delegated scheme for woodland planting, management and timber business support grants. A summary of the grants available is detailed under the sub-heading or is available direct from the Mersey Forest or the ICEP Project Officer.

Click here to visit Mersey Forest's Website

England Rural Development Programme (ERDP)

The principle form of financial support for land management improvements is under DEFRA’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme. Merseyside is fortunate to have a number of partners implementing and advising on Countryside Stewardship including the Mersey Forest, FWAG and ADAS. The Scheme is a 10 year commitment and provides support for a vast range of activities including Arable options, boundary management and the protection of historical features.

Other

A range of other funding sources may be available to complement, provide match funding or as alternative to Objective One. For those activities that may not be eligible for funding under EAGGF, ICEP and its partners will signpost and advise on other potential sources of funding.

Business Advice for Farmers

There is a range of support available to Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) including farms and related rural businesses. The level of advice varies from an initial action plan and review of the business to a full business and management strategy. (More...)

Training

Across Merseyside and the Northwest there is a range of providers of vocational training for rural businesses. While there is no dedicated funding for training for rural businesses in Merseyside, some providers have accessed funding from the European Social Fund to support the sector. (More...)

Support and Advice for Farmers Creating Rural Tourism

Linked attractions and facilities are key magnets for visitors and there is no reason why the rural sector cannot benefit by providing accommodation , local food and their own rural based attractions. (More...)

Local Food First

Local Food First is an Objective One funded project set up in June 2003 to develop the local supply chain and sustainable farming systems across Merseyside. The project has been developed by a partnership of North West Fine Foods, Millhouse Training Services, Myerscough College and ICEP (Integrated Countryside and Environment Plan). (More...)

Other farming products