Rural Funding

We may be able to help you identify funds to develop a community project, your business or other initiatives in your area.

The following schemes are part of the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural development Plan 2014-2020. If you would like to submit an expression of interest / application or wish to talk through your idea, please contact:

Nikki Williams, Rural Development Manager
Tel: 01495 742147
E-mail: nikki.williams@torfaen.gov.uk

Funding Schemes

Rural Community Development Fund (RCDF)

A competitive grant scheme managed directly by Welsh Government which is primarily aimed at LEADER Local Action Groups and other community-based organisations.

Grants of up to £128,000 are available, towards up to 80% of project costs. Funding is paid in arrears so organisations will need to be able to bankroll projects or be fronted by a larger organisation. All applicants must first discuss their proposals with the Local Action Group (LAG) before submitting to Welsh Government. This process allows the LAG to check the project fits with the aims and objectives of the Local Development Strategy and to provide feedback and support to applicants.

Investment can support a wide range of activities that help meet local needs and improve the quality of life of rural communities e.g. community-based renewable energy schemes, community transport initiatives, advice services, access to financial services, restoration of natural and cultural heritage, recreation / tourism infrastructure, conversion of buildings, improved access to broadband.

Visit Rural Community Development Fund for more information.

Sustainable Production Grant Scheme

Aimed at farmers and agricultural holdings the SPG aims to provide capital investment for facilities and equipment and support improvements to performance and sustainability. Applications are invited from all farming sectors including Arable, Beef, Dairy, Goats, Pigs, Poultry, Sheep, Horticulture (including hydroponics and aquaponics) and Apiculture.

Grants range from a minimum of £16,000 to £400,000, with a maximum grant rate of 40% of the total investment cost.

Visit Sustainable Production Grant Scheme for more information.

Food Business Investment Scheme

Support for investments in processing/marketing and/or development of agricultural products. Designed to help primary producers of agricultural products and businesses that do first and/or second stage processing activities.

Costs supported include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, computer software, patent rights and licences, and technical and consultancy fees.

The scheme can provide capital investment and other support where at least 90% eligible agricultural products are processed.

The maximum grant threshold per enterprise for any individual investment project is £5,000,000. The minimum is £2,400.

Visit Food Business Investment Scheme for more information.

Co-operative Forest Planning Scheme

Aims to support proposals seeking to facilitate, develop or establish new collaborations and activities and to help potential new collaborations develop project proposals.

Examples of eligible activities under the scheme include:

• the development and co-ordination of collaborative groups
• communication and dissemination activities
• technical and feasibility studies
• monitoring and evaluation activities.

Visit Co-operative Forest Planning Scheme for more information.

Sustainable Management Scheme

Provides financial support for a range of activities that will improve the management of our natural resources and in doing so contribute to the well-being of our rural communities.

The scheme offers grants to collaborative groups looking to:

• improve our natural resources and the benefits they provide
• take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
• improve business and community resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Grants can range from a minimum of £10,000 to a maximum of £5,000,000 to help start up and facilitate new collaborations through to landscape-scale ambition co-ordinating actions and input from several parties to achieve lasting benefits across our communities.

The maximum grant rate for any individual investment project is 100% of the total cost.

Visit Sustainable Management Scheme for more information.

Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme

Support for co-operation activities across the agriculture, food and forestry sectors for the development of:

• new products, practices, processes and technologies in the agriculture, forestry and food sectors, including:
  • small businesses working together to share production facilities and resources
  • co-operation to support development of short supply chains and local markets including promotion activities in a local context.
  • pilot projects where the information is made publicly available and widely disseminated.

Eligible activity may include animation, facilitation, mentoring, training, communication and dissemination and evaluation.

The maximum grant threshold per enterprise for any individual co-operation project is £10,000,000. The minimum is £2,400. The percentage of grant available per project is dependent on a number of factors; please see the guidance notes for more information.

Visit Co-operation and Supply Chain Development Scheme for more information.

Glastir

Sustainable land management scheme, which offers financial support to farmers and land managers.

Glastir pays for the delivery of specific environmental goods and services aimed at:

• combating climate change
• improving water management
• maintaining and enhancing biodiversity.

Visit Glastir for more information.

Last Modified: 29/01/2020 Back to top