Funding Priorities
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The Solway, Border and Eden Local Development Strategy forms the basis for delivery of LEADER funding in this LAG area. Each LAG area has different characteristics, therefore each priority may differ slightly depending upon the geographical area you are in.
The Solway, Border and Eden LEADER Applicant Handbook gives in-depth detail about the LEADER priorities and the types of projects that can be funded. Please ensure you read through the handbook appropriate to the LAG area within which you are based. It can be downloaded by clicking here: Also be aware that it is a competitive process and is subject to funding availability. Funding is available for projects that fit with the following Priorities: |
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Priority 1 - Support to Increase Farm Productivity |
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for: (1a) Projects to improve the overall performance and sustainability of an agricultural holding. Eligible applicants under (1a) are farmers, groups of farmers and horticultural producers. Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.* (1b) Investments to support animal health and welfare improvements. Eligible applicants under (1b) are farmers and groups of farmers.Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.* *Priorities 1a and b are now oversubscribed. We are still accepting Expressions of Interest but be aware that we may not invite projects to the Full Application stage unless more funds become available. (1c) The processing, marketing and/or development of agricultural products. Eligible applicants under (1c) are farmers, landowners, micro and small processing businesses and new processing businesses. Grants are available from £2,500 to €200,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs. Applicants applying under (1c) must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. Equipment for Farming and Forestry that we can and cannot fund is here. |
Priority 2 - Support for Small & Micro Enterprises |
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for developing or starting rural micro and small businesses. Applications are sought from projects which support:
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. |
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for farm diversification projects (for example, farm shops, contracting services). Applications are sought from projects which:
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. |
Priority 3 - Support for Tourism Activity |
Funds under this priority will be used to support tourism businesses, accommodation providers, attraction providers, those working as groups for promotional purposes and those in hospitality to invest in projects which build on the distinctiveness of the Solway, Border and Eden LAG area. Applications are sought which:
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. |
Priority 4 - Provision of Rural Services |
Funds under this priority will be used to develop innovative approaches to rural service provision / to increase accessibility to rural services / to promote community cohesion. Applications are sought from rural businesses, community organisations, charities and partnerships, which:
Revenue support available is very limited and cannot be used to fund on-going salaries. Contact the LEADER Programme Team for more information. Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. |
Priority 5 - Support for Cultural and Heritage Activity |
The Solway, Border and Eden LAG is open for applications under this priority. There is a very limited amount of funding available and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis by the LAG. The LAG is seeking strong projects with a clear fit to the objectives of this priority (see LEADER Applicant Handbook and Local Development Strategy for more information on this). |
Priority 6 - Support for Increasing Forestry Productivity |
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants to improve the economic performance, resilience and competitiveness of the forestry sector. Applications are sought from owners or tenants of private forestry holdings and micro, small and medium-sized forestry contracting businesses, which:
Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities. For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. Equipment for Farming and Forestry that we can and cannot fund is here. |
ALL APPLICATIONS should demonstrate how the project will create wider benefits for the local community and economy. Projects can do this through, for example:
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