£700,000 grant for groups helping struggling farmers
Founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 2010 to help secure a brighter future for the British countryside the Fund has invested over £6.7 million in projects right across the UK both through immediate assistance and longer-term sustainability. These new grants have been awarded to help support vulnerable farm businesses, train young people in farming and rural skills and help develop thriving rural communities.
Claire Saunders, Director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said “The Prince’s Countryside Fund’s grant programme provides an essential lifeline to people living and working in the countryside and is needed now more than ever. The Fund is delighted to be able to support such a wide range of innovative projects that will provide a lasting legacy to so many communities.
“Farming and rural businesses have been hit hard in the past 12-months as a fall in commodity prices and increased administrative burdens have taken their toll, notwithstanding the devastation of storms and subsequent flooding. As well as dealing with the immediate pressures we are committed to supporting communities to provide vital services and inspire the next generation to develop the skills and experience to live and work in the countryside.”
Projects that have been awarded money to specifically provide support to farmers include:
•Tir Dewi (David’s Land) in Wales will offer a bilingual support service to Welsh farmers and their families, including for mental health issues, financial advice and regulatory advice.
•The Farming Life Centre will offer business support.
•Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire Rural Support Group will help with business problems, debts and loss of employment.
•Exmoor Hill Farming Network is to provide information sharing and support for hill farmers to make their businesses more viable.
•FarmCornwall will continue to help small farming families in Cornwall affected by high levels of poverty and isolation.
A list of all projects funded by the PCF can be found here.