SRDP Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation Grants
Latest expectations are that the Scotland Rural Development Programme 2007 – 2013 will be approved by the European Commission in January, and that the grant schemes within the programme will open in February or March 2008.
The Food Processing, Marketing and Co-operation grant scheme will be open to businesses involved in processing food, or who are developing co-operation and collaboration within food supply chains, and we envisage that many SAOS members will be eligible to apply if they are planning new developments. Certain items of both capital and non capital expenditure may be grant aided. Applications will be considered on a national basis, and will not be subject to approval by the Regional Proposal Assessment Committees (RPACs) that are being established to consider applications for grants under the Rural Development Contracts (RDCs).
Co-ops not involved directly in food and drink supply chains will be able to apply to other schemes. The 6 schemes to which groups may apply are a) Rural Development Contracts – Regional Priorities, b) Skills Development, c) LEADER, d) Food, Processing, Marketing and Co-operation, e) Crofting Counties Agricultural Grant Scheme, and f) Forestry Challenge Funds.
SAOS is liaising closely with the Rural Directorate and we are preparing to promote the schemes at the earliest possible moment. Our team will be available to assist member co-ops with project development and grant applications.
Up to date info at www.scotland.gov.uk/srdp