Farm businesses in West Devon and the South Hams have a final opportunity to sign up to a programme that offers support with implementing regenerative farming practices to improve the local environment, explore innovative opportunities, and trial new technologies.
The Agri Innovation programme provides support which will enable farmers to increase productivity, become more sustainable, and maximise the unique potential of their farms.
The final round of expression of interest applications for the initiative will be open until Wednesday 31 January.
The scheme, which is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by Business Information Point (BIP), is aiming to support a total of 20 farms in the South Hams and another 20 in West Devon. Over half of the spaces have already been filled.
Councillor Rufus Gilbert, Cabinet Member for Economic Recovery and Skills, said:
“There has already been a healthy amount of interest in the programme with less than half the places on the scheme remaining. The programme is looking for farmers who are enthusiastic about implementing innovative ideas and methods, as well as trialling new equipment and processes.
“There’s no restriction on farm type or size and the support is completely free to farmers in the South Hams or West Devon local authority areas. I would encourage anyone thinking about signing up to register their interest early.”
Each farm business enrolled onto the Agri Innovation programme can access up to 30 hours of one-to-one bespoke support such as carbon audits, innovation diagnostics, and help with grant applications. They can also receive specialist support worth up to £2,000 to help them implement their innovation business plan, which could include soil testing, technology trials, exploring renewable energy options, bid writing and more.
Farm businesses interested in accessing this support need to complete the expression of interest form on the BIP website.
