Defra to give grants for rural projects across East Hampshire and Havant

Farmers, foresters, growers, small businesses and rural communities can now bid for a share of a £1.6m fund across East Hampshire, as well as Havant, Eastleigh and Winchester.

The grants are available as part of Defra’s Rural Development Programme.

Money is available for projects that will create jobs, increase farm or forestry productivity or efficiency and develop new markets for local food and drink.

It is also to support increased visitor spending in the area or to provide an essential rural service.

Fieldfare, a not for profit group that brings together people from rural businesses, farming and rural communities, will be announcing when funding is available for different projects over the next five years.

The next call for projects will be late this month.

An information event is being held on March 15. Bookings can be made at Fieldfareleader.org.uk/events.