DEFRA launches fast track grants

DEFRA HAS announced a new “fastrack” approach to process grant applications, in an attempt to help rural businesses and smaller projects access Rural Enterprise Scheme funding.

The new process is only for grants of £15,000 or less, but as this could represent 30% of total funding, projects costing up to £50,000 could be eligible.

Paul White, of consultant Brown and Co, said he welcomed the move to help many struggling farming businesses diversify and expand non-farming activities.