Write a commentLocal farmers across Craigavon, Armagh and Newry & Mourne District Councils through the SOAR Local Action Group and Joint Council Committee are being urged to seek farm diversification grants worth up to £50,000. The next deadline for farming families to apply is 4pm on 11th June 2010 with further calls for applications planned up until 2013, so there is plenty of time to apply!
With almost £1 million already granted to rural small businesses creating 57 new rural jobs, SOAR are keen to hear from other farmers who wish to set up a new business outside of mainstream agriculture. SOAR are also keen to emphasise that the process is easy and straightforward and that applicants will be supported by a friendly, helpful and experienced team of people who are available to talk them through their business ideas.
Once approved, the funds can be used for either new equipment or buildings, with past applicants having been awarded grants for projects as diverse as light engineering, self-catering accommodation, leisure activities and repair services.
Speaking about the grants, Councillor Josephine O’Hare, Chairperson of SOAR’s Joint Council Committee said, “Many farmers have buildings or other facilities which have the potential to be developed into small businesses outside of mainstream agriculture and we are now calling on them to apply for grants which will allow them to grow their business and in turn supplement their farm income.”
Adding to this, SOAR’s Local Action Group Chairman, Miceal McCoy said, “Farming families have an excellent opportunity to make use of grants of up to £50,000 which are available to set up or develop an existing business and with six professional staff available across the three Council areas to help guide them, farmers can be confident that they will receive the support they need to develop their plans.”
In preparation for submitting an application for a grant, farmers are asked to provide market research or test-marketing to demonstrate that there is a local market for their new business. The new business can operate on a part-time business and Council staff is available to work with all family members to ensure that the business is a success.
Case Study
HF Hydraulics - On Farm Business
Francis Hearty, a local farmer from Dorsey, Co Armagh, initially established his first farm diversification project HFS Engineering in 1994. The focus of this business is the design and manufacture of innovative agriculture and commercial equipment, however the business also offers a self drive hire service of agriculture and builders plant, accident repair service, refurbishment of agricultural and builders plant, and vintage machinery. Francis in 2006 then established his second farm diversification project, HF Hydraulics, the development of which has recently been awarded funding from SOAR. HF Hydraulics provides an onsite rapid repair service for hydraulics hoses; through funding from SOAR Francis will be in a position to purchase additional equipment for the repair of larger hoses, this equipment necessary to grow and develop his business, and ensure the delivery of a more efficient and effective on site service to his customers and clients.
Contact Farmers interested in applying for grants can contact Elaine Cullen, Programme Manager and the rest of the team across the three Councils, either at Craigavon Borough Council on 028 3831 2588, at Armagh City & District Council on (028 37529618) or at Newry & Mourne District Council on (028 3086 8900 & 4177 4381).
