Farming co-op launches new grants service

A farming co-operative has launched a new service offering farmers and rural businesses access to millions of pounds in grant funding. Anglia Farmers GrantResource offers specialist advice and...

A farming co-operative has launched a new service offering farmers and rural businesses access to millions of pounds in grant funding. Anglia Farmers GrantResource offers specialist advice and guidance, including regular updates on relevant grants, a bid review service and lobbying for additional rural funding.

It will fully manage grant applications, from initial site visits and surveys through to eligibility checks, negotiation with funding agencies and a full application writing service.

AF GrantResource programmes manager, Dan Cox, said: “Applying for funding can be a complex process requiring resources, knowledge and expertise. It’s often difficult to know when and where to look for potential sources of funding and challenging to apply successfully. That’s why this service has been set up. It’s available to anyone looking for funding for a project – anything from water management projects to building works or even funding for staff training.

“There are thousands of grants available nationwide and we can help guide people in the right direction to find potential pots of money which they may be entitled to but which they might not realise are there,” he added. “While a grant offer cannot be guaranteed, we have the knowledge, expertise and experience to give people the best chance of gaining access to funds that they are entitled to.”

Earlier this year, Anglia Farmers (AF) launched AF PRomote, a communications and marketing service for its members and suppliers, and the AF Charge Card, which allows members to purchase through non-suppliers on their AF account.

It has also teamed up with First Milk, the largest dairy farmer-owned group in the UK, to form a non-profit organisation which gives First Milk members access to savings on inputs and equipment. Membership of AF First Milk stands at about 1,420 dairy farmers and turnover for 2014/15 is expected to exceed £11m. Members have access to more than 50 product specialists at AF, providing savings on mainstream dairy requirements and wider product areas including machinery, animal health, insurance, agrochemicals and telecommunications.

AF is the UK’s largest agricultural purchasing group. With buying power in excess of £250m, it purchases almost one tenth of the UK’s key farm inputs.

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