The East Peak LEADER programme can offer grants for projects which meet one or more of the priorities listed below. There is a strong emphasis on economic growth and job creation in the programme therefore all projects must directly support the rural economy or contribute significantly to improving the local economy:

• Support for increasing farm productivity
• Support for micro and small businesses (non-agricultural) and farm diversification
• Support for rural tourism
• Support for culture and heritage activities
• Provision of rural services
• Support for increasing forestry productivity

Grants are available for:

• Projects to improve the overall performance and sustainability of an agricultural holding
• Investments to support animal health and welfare improvements
• The processing, marketing and development of agricultural products
• Minimum grant available £5,000, maximum grant usually £40,000 capped at 40% of the project’s total eligible costs.

Costs could include:

• Equipment and machinery to improve the efficiency of the use of energy, water, fertiliser and other direct inputs
• Investments to improve the management of slurry and manures to reduce the reliance on artificial fertiliser
• Investments to mechanise production and increase productivity
• Equipment and machinery to improve the monitoring of the consumption of animal feed and water
• Equipment to improve animal welfare
• Investment in equipment, technologies or processes to develop new or higher quality agri-food products or to reduce waste
• Construction or conversion of building (see exemptions)
• Investments in the production, processing and marketing of non-timber forest products
• Investments in collaborative grain processing facilities

Call 01226 763201 to discuss your project idea, check your eligibility and request an Expression of Interest form.

For further information visit www.epip.org.uk or email info@epip.org.uk.