New grants to support Cornwall farms and rural businesses

Grants could be used to convert farm buildings to other commercial uses

A £1m grant scheme has been launched to support farms and rural businesses to develop and grow by diversifying.

The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Growth Hub's rural business grant scheme aimed to help businesses develop new products and facilities, bosses said.

Grants from £2,500 are being offered for expanding in areas of targeting tourism and leisure, food and drink.

People had until 12 February to express their interest via the hub's website, scheme managers said.

The funding could support capital investments, managers said, with possible examples including:

• Commercial activity linked to nature recovery such as wild seed harvesting

• Projects from existing tourism or leisure businesses that will help to extend their usual season

• Capital funding for converting farm buildings to other commercial or business uses

• Purchase of equipment for food and drink processing businesses that are non-farmer owned

• Capital grants towards the establishment of rural community businesses

Interested organisations must provide a minimum of 50% match funding and demonstrate the capability to cashflow project costs as claims are submitted in arrears.