Developing new projects that add value to locally sourced products. Grants can also be used to promote local added value products. The types of items that can be funded are listed below:
• Promotion and Publicity (not available for individual farms)
• Training, seminars, consultants, exhibitions, networks, events
• Processing and marketing costs
• Materials
• Labour costs
• Equipment
• Work space (hire or conversion)

• Agricultural businesses as individuals or in groups
• Non agricultural businesses seeking to add value to local products
• Not for profit organisations (like charities, support groups, societies and clubs) who support/promote local producers

• Current activities: all projects must be new developments
• Anything that does not 'add value to local products'
• Meeting statutory or legislative requirements

LEADER+ is designed so as to fill gaps in funding, making up the difference between what you have and what you need. There are limits to how much you can claim. There are also maximum total amounts of money available too, we will discuss those with you.
• Farming based projects can claim up to 50% of eligible cost
• Non agricultural business and some farm diversification can claim 15% - 50% of eligible cost
• For not for profit businesses (charities, community groups, clubs, societies etc) up to 70% can be made available.

We normally start by sending out an "expression of interest" form for you to fill in (please click here to download it). We've tried to write in as simple English as we can. If you already have a development plan in writing, by all means send us that (you need to have your name and address on it).

We then contact you and set up a meeting. From the paperwork and the meeting we can establish if your project is eligible and how much grant you might be eligible for. We try to deal with as much of the jargon and technical detail as we can for you. We then write up a submission to the grant fund together and submit it to a grant awarding panel. This group meets regularly and approves projects and is made up of local people who are members of the "Local Action Group".

If your project is of sufficient quality, you will be sent a letter confirming you have been offered a grant. You will need to demonstrate that you have "matching funds" to make up the difference between the grant offered and the total project costs. When we are satisfied all the money is in place you can begin your project.

• It can come from your own resources or borrowings.
• In certain circumstances it can come "in kind", whether contributions of labour or materials.
• From other public or private sources, grants from other government agencies, charities or other organisations.

European and DEFRA funds CANNOT be used to match LEADER+.

ARE THERE LOTS OF RULES, REGULATIONS AND RED TAPE?
YES, BUT we deal with most of it for you. There will still be issues for you to deal with, but we will discuss these with you.

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
All projects receiving grant aid must be of benefit to the rural economy, local people and the environment. No project will be allowed that is significantly detrimental to any one of these areas. We will be auditing the factors and discussing them with you.