Countryside businesses in line for £60m

Rural entrepreneurs will be able to apply for a share of £60m to boost business opportunities from farm produce to holiday cottages, the Government said.

By The Newsroom

Published 29th Feb 2012, 06:00 BST

Grants worth up to £1m each will meet up to 40 per cent of the cost of projects that improve farm competitiveness, develop agri-food businesses, exploit tourism opportunities or make forestry more competitive and environmentally friendly.

Funding will also be available to support small rural businesses.

Yesterday the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said farmers would be able to apply for funding to improve areas of their farm businesses.

Grants may also be available to rural companies to buy new processing and packing equipment which will allow them to sell their products to new markets.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said rural businesses could play a significant part in rebuilding the nation’s finances.

Government