Farm Diversification
Farm Diversification Funding
The Orkney LEADER programme, which is being part financed by the Scottish Government and European Community, has approx. £250,000 of funding available to help Orkney farmers diversify into non-agricultural activities.
Farm diversification can be a way to stabilise or increase income, utilising farm assets such as land, buildings or equipment. Some examples of diversification activities which may be eligible for funding could include:
- Provision of leisure activities such as equine facilities, bike hire or adventure playgrounds
- Service provision such as kennels, exhibition spaces and cafes
- Creation of retail spaces such as farm shops or retail outlets
- Provision of specialised tourist accommodation
Francesca Couperwhite, Orkney LEADER Local Action Group Chair, said ‘With farm incomes increasingly unsure and the uncertainty brought by Brexit to the farming industry, the funding available through LEADER presents an opportunity to look at new ways of generating income.
Whilst the direct benefit of farm diversification is felt by the farm, the new enterprises created also add value to their local communities, bringing new services, employment and visitors to an area”.
The funding available must be awarded prior to the point that the UK leaves the EU and spent by the end of December 2020, therefore farmers with a diversification projects are being urged to come forward now. For more information on the funding available and the application process or to discuss your farm diversification idea, contact the LEADER team, who will assist you in the process of applying for funding.
The assessemnt criteria for Farm Diversification Projects are available here.
To contact the LEADER team email the Development Officer - alison.barclay@orkney.gov.uk or telephone 01856 873535 ext 2855.
The Chalet, Holidays for All - farm diversification
