We recognise that farmers are the backbone of the rural landscape, and that the farming sector is facing uncertainty in terms of a changing climate, market instability, and declining profits. We want to help the farms in our area to thrive, so they can continue to contribute to more sustainable and resilient rural economies and communities.
Farm diversification is one way to try to counteract some of this uncertainty in the sector, potentially creating new funding streams and consistent cash flow. New to this round of LEADER, is our ring-fenced funding specifically set aside for farm diversification, and also rural enterprise (businesses).
Within the Farm Diversification & Rural Enterprise fund, we can fund up to £25,000 per project, with up to 50% intervention rate.
Alternately, we are offering a small fund, specifically for project feasibility studies, up to £2,500 per project, with up to 70% intervention rate.
We seek to fund activities that align with the values/aims in our Local Development Strategy. Have a look at our page about FVL LEADER to explain the values and aims of the fund. Some examples of the types of Farm Diversification activities that could be funded:
Please get in contact with Ashley, the FVL LEADER Development Officer on the Farm Diversification & Rural Enterprise on Robinsona@stirling.gov.uk
Have a gander at our Farm Diversification brochure - outlining the basic information you need to know for the farm diversification element of our ring-fenced funding: