Posted on: Monday 6 March 2023
Farmer Adam Tovey next to a bee hive
A project has been launched offering grants to food businesses to help them diversify local produce or pilot new production techniques.
The Torfaen Food Resilience Programme is offering grants of up to £15,000 as part of a plan to increase the amount of locally-produced food. Applications are open now until Friday 31 March.
The programme will also be offering grants of up to £15,000 to community groups who support families in food poverty to develop sustainable solutions, such as community growing and food waste distribution. Applications are expected to open in May.
The Torfaen Food Resilience Programme is funded by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund and builds on the Food4Growth pilot.
Six grants were awarded to businesses as part of that project last year, including Pen Yr Parc Farm, in Llantarnam, Cwmbran. They used the money to buy more bee hives to increase their production of local honey.
Farmer Adam Tovey said: "The Food4Growth grant enabled the farm to invest in an alternative income source at a time when finances are tight and the future of farm subsidy is uncertain.
"The apiaries are complimentary to the current farm practices used and can grow alongside me as I learn and get more experience. It is also a great experience when someone asks for a jar of honey and shows an interest in the bees."
The Torfaen Food Resilience Programme is just one of a number of projects being developed to help Torfaen to win Sustainable Food Place status.
To apply for a business grant, contact Torfaen Business Direct on businessdirect@torfaen.gov.uk or 01633 648735.