BRIGG EVENT ENCOURAGES RURAL BUSINESSES TO APPLY FOR GRANTS

FROM KIRSTY WESTFIELD, NORTH LINCOLNSHIRE COUNCIL

Farming businesses from across North Lincolnshire attended an event at The Buttercross (pictured) in Brigg to find out what funding is available to them from the LEADER programme.
The Northern Lincolnshire LEADER programme received £1.2m in 2016 for projects in rural areas across North and North East Lincolnshire until March 2020. The next round of funding is now open. 
For this year there is £379,000 allocated to benefit rural areas in Northern Lincolnshire.
The grants help to improve the rural economy by creating jobs, attracting tourists, increasing productivity and business growth.
This event focused on farming businesses in Northern Lincolnshire to support an increase in farm productivity across the area. The funding will:
Support local farmers to take advantage of the area’s successful food sector including raising awareness of the available opportunities, and extending routes to market
Support projects that enable farmers to benefit from new technologies in order to increase productivity
North Lincolnshire Council runs the programme and assesses the applications.
The LEADER programme is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.
Further details on the LEADER funding programme and other rural businesses that can benefit can be found at www.northlincs.gov.uk/jobs-business-regen/regeneration/leader-funding-programme/ or by emailing leaderfunding@northlincs.gov.uk

Coun Rob Waltham (Brigg & Wolds), Leader of North Lincolnshire Council, pictured, said: “The event was a huge success. There were over 30 farmers, who attended; many of which are pursuing potential projects with us to help their business grow and create jobs.
"The LEADER programme has been supporting rural growth across Northern Lincolnshire for many years; it is fantastic that even more funding has become available.
“If you were not able to attend the event but have a project that you believe will support the rural economy and growth, we want to hear from you. Get in touch with the team on 01724 297768 or email leaderfunding@northlincs.gov.uk "