Defra has announced a new £20 million fund to help farmers, foresters and horticulturists to invest in green projects and new machinery so that their businesses can continue to grow in an environmentally friendly way.
The grants, available under the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme, aim to increase profits and encourage greener and more efficient ways of working. They are available for schemes that:
• save energy and reduce carbon emissions
• reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers
• improve soil quality
• save and recycle water
HTA Policy Manager Gary Scroby says “HTA members can apply for match-funding of £2,500-£25,000 to invest in projects that help energy efficiency, water resource management and nutrient management.”
gary.scroby@the-hta.org.uk
The deadline for the first tranche of applications is 17 January 2012