Wales To Get 50m Lift

18 August 2000

FARMERS and food processors in Wales could receive accelerated access to 50m of EU Objective 1 funding.

At the request of the National Assemblys Objective 1 monitoring committee, the Welsh Development Agencys Food Directorate has submitted a plan for a fast-track system for applications from large, medium and small processors, and farm-based initiatives.

The proposed screening system, which covers business reviews, capital projects and market development grants, would operate for three years. The Welsh European Funding Office is currently
considering it.

“We are now looking for agri-food schemes which can be tailored to Objective 1 specifically, to fit in with our fast-track plans,” said Wynfford James, director of the Food Directorate.

“The closing date for bids under this scheme is the end of September, and the agri-food sector in Wales looks set to benefit substantially from Objective 1 money.”