DAVIS MEADE

 

The application process for Small Grants – Horticulture Start Up Scheme is in two stages. Firstly, an Expression of Interest (EoI), if the EoI is selected you will need to complete a full application.

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The Expression of interest (EoI) window will open on 25 May 2022 and close on 29 June 2022.

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The indicative budget allocation for this application window is £300,000.

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The grant available for each applicant is £3,000

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The Small Grants – Horticulture Start Up scheme is designed to support entry into the horticulture sector in Wales by encouraging the establishment of new commercial horticulture enterprises, either as a diversification within an existing agricultural business, or as stand-alone new enterprises. In doing so, it will help to deliver the Welsh Government’s ambition for a more prosperous, green and equal Wales.

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Funding will encourage the use of new and emerging technology, provide opportunities to create a diversified income stream for existing Welsh farm businesses, establish new rural enterprises and create employment opportunities.

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The Small Grant - Horticulture Start Up is available to individuals or businesses who wish to enter the commercial horticultural sector. The aims of the scheme are to: 

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• encourage the establishment of new commercial horticultural enterprises by offering seed funding in the form of a grant.

• partially mitigate the financial risk of investing in a new enterprise.

• attract more individuals to enter the sector.

• encourage the use of new and emerging technology within horticultural businesses.

• create a diversified income stream for existing Welsh farm businesses.

• establish new rural enterprises, which can create employment, opportunities for growth and sustainable local food production.

• respond to the Wales Community Food Strategy and encourage the supply of locally sourced food in Wales.

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Applicants if selected following EoI will need to demonstrate at full application their projects are viable proposals with the potential to develop into sustainable enterprises.

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You are not eligible if: 

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• you are an existing producer of commercial horticulture crops.

• you are an owner, partner or shareholder with an active role in an existing business with a horticultural interest.

• you do not intend to produce crops to be sold commercially.

• you do not intend to grow crops at sufficient scale to show intent that the enterprise is a development of a sustainable commercial venture.

• you intend to grow crops within a domestic setting, such as a domestic glass house or garden, or the crops are intended for home consumption.

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Eligible Costs

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The start-up grant is awarded in the form of working capital, which is provided to facilitate the establishment of a commercial horticulture enterprise.

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The grant can be used to fund capital investments, or as revenue support to fund the following examples of expenditure: 

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• purchase of specific equipment and technology for horticultural production.

• seed, plants etc.

• harvesting and storage systems.

• branding, social media content or website development.

• marketing and/or advertising costs.

• environmental monitoring or quality control equipment.

• rental costs.

• contracting costs.

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Second hand equipment is eligible where the applicant can demonstrate the following: 

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• it complies with current health and safety legislation;

• it is fit for purpose;

• it has at least five years life expectancy remaining.

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For further information please contact Kathryn Williams by email kathrynwilliams@dmpcuk.com or mobile 07971 583638

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