DEFRA
The Agricultural Development Scheme
Location National
Dates

Deadline for applications: The scheme is open to applicants at any time. Final decisions on grant awards will be taken quarterly and Panel meetings will be on
- 03 March 2005
- 13 June 2005
- 30 September 2005
- 02 December 2005

It is advised to submit applications eight weeks in advance of the panel meetings.

Aims

Objective of the funding opportunity:
This is a selective scheme aimed to help farmers and growers in England to improve their competitiveness through better marketing. Projects must concern the organisation, promotion, encouragement, development, co-ordination or facilitation of the marketing of produce. Priority will be given to those projects that have the potential to improve the competitiveness of the whole sector or a large number of producers.
It aims to help the following client groups:
Those in employment
FRESA priorities The funding opportunity fits with the following FRESA priorities:

Top priorities:
Workforce development and in work progression

High priorities:
Sector skills

Medium priorities:
Access to learning and ICT
More information on the FRESA
The following labour market factsheets contain evidence to support bids for this funding: 
Workforce development and in work progression
Eligibility Eligible Organisations:  Farmers and growers in the UK
Accreditation Organisations must have the following accreditation to bid: No accreditation is needed
Amount available Funding available: The maximum grant is £0.5 million and the maximum grant rate is 50% of eligible costs
Previous bids For examples of successful bids see: ADS Project Page
Application

You will need the following documents to apply :
Guidance Notes
Application Form

Contact

For further information contact:  

DEFRA Marketing Grants Branch
Area 4C
Nobel House,
17 Smith Square,
London,
SW1P 3JR

Tel: 020 7238 1205
Fax: 020 7238 5728
E-mail: ads.mailbox@defra.gsi.gov.uk
Weblinks

Other useful websites:
www.defra.gov.uk