Government funding for greener horticulture
6 January 2012
The government is giving £20 million in grants to gardening and other rural businesses to help them reduce their impact on the environment.
Funding of up to £25,000 per project is available under the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme, part of the Rural Development Programme for England. Businesses can apply for help to invest in green projects and machinery, as long as they fulfil one of five key objectives including the improvement of soil quality, energy efficiency and saving and recycling water. Typical projects include the installation of thermal screens in glasshouses and polytunnels, and rainwater harvesting systems.
'We want rural businesses to thrive, and this new fund will help farmers, foresters and horticulturists to boost their profits and use greener and more efficient ways of working,' said Agriculture Minister Jim Paice.
The grants will be allocated in several phases up to December 2013, to a maximum of 50% of the cost of each project.