What does the Grant Support?

The Processing and Marketing Grant is a capital grant scheme aimed at improving the processing and marketing of agricultural products. They also encourage farmers to become more competitive, respond to consumer demand, and add value to their produce. Such investments must contribute to improving the situation of the agricultural sector producing the relevant basic commodity, and be of economic benefit to the primary producers of that commodity. Projects might, for example, produce new or innovative products, improve the quality of existing products or improve or rationalise processing facilities. Grants are available towards the cost of new buildings the refurbishment of old buildings and the purchase of new equipment. Products being processed must be primary agricultural ones undergoing the initial stages of processing, such as the processing of milk into cheese, animal carcases into meat cuts, or the washing, processing and packaging of other agricultural products.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applications for this grant may be submitted by individuals, groups of primary producers or companies of any size (though small and medium sized enterprises will be given priority), involved in agricultural production, processing and marketing.

Projects eligible for grant will cost at least £70,000, although projects can be any sizes above this figure. The maximum grant payable (national and Community contributions combined) will be £1,200,000.

Contact details

Defra, Rural Development Service
Eastbrook, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge CB2 2DR
Tel: 01223 462727
Fax: 01223 533531
General enquiries email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Website: www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es/default.htm