FENLAND: Grants totalling �4million now available for farmers to market their produce

FARMERS across Fenland can now apply for grants totalling �4million, to support the processing and marketing of farm produce. The grants are available under the Fens Adventurers Rural Development Programme, which aims to support business development, impr

FARMERS across Fenland can now apply for grants totalling �4million, to support the processing and marketing of farm produce.

The grants are available under the Fens Adventurers Rural Development Programme, which aims to support business development, improve skills and create new jobs.

Farmers looking to diversify their business, or looking to work with others to add value to their produce, are also invited to apply.

The programme runs to December 2013 and is being administered by Cambridgeshire ACRE, on behalf of the largely private sector Local Action Group.

The �4million was awarded earlier this year to the programme by the East of England Development Agency.

Mike Carter, the Fens Adventurers Programme Manager, said: "The programme seeks to support business development which can sustain or create new job opportunities which are much needed in the current economic climate.

"The objective is to generate wide economic benefits, and collaborative approaches are encouraged where there are good reasons for doing so."

For more information contact Mike Carter, RDPE Programme Manager, on 01353 865047 or email mike.carter@cambsacre.org.uk.