The Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant scheme was announced by DEFRA on the 26th July, and is set to be released later this summer. The scheme has been set up to support calf farmers by providing funding in order to build housing buildings with the goal of improving the health and welfare of the calves.
The grant can be applies for to either build a new housing building, or to replace one that is already in place. The housing created from the grant funding must provide the calves with good air quality, temperature and humidity in the building, which is achieved by the applicant through ventilation and location of the building. The priorities of the scheme are to not only improve the health and welfare of calves, but also to enhance environmental sustainability as well as introducing innovation.
Solar Panels
An update released on the 28th July has informed those wishing to apply that funding is available to support the installation of solar panels within the project of building the cattle housing. The solar panels must be installed on the roof of the housing being built, where this is possible. It is possible that individuals may also receive further support for equipment such as, but not limited to solar racking and solar batteries.
Applications are open to any existing cattle farmer in England who carries out farming activity with at least 11 cattle. Therefore, new farming businesses are not allowed to apply for the grant scheme. The land intended to be built on must be either owned, or a tenancy agreement must be in place until 5 years after the project has been completed. Funding received from the scheme has to be solely used for this purpose. Successful applicants are therefore not permitted to use the grant funding for any other farming activities.
Application Stages
Applications take place through three stages, where applicants’ will be scored against the priorities of the funding, highlighted previously. Applicants can apply for £15,000 (minimum) to £500,000 (maximum). If an individual is successful with their application, the money they received can only be used to cover up to 40% of the costs of their project. If solar panels are to be installed, only 25% of the cost of this will be covered. To cover the remaining costs of the project, loans or other sources may be used, such as the Basic Payment Scheme. However, applicants may not use other public money to cover the rest of the costs. Payments can be claimed after the project has come to an end and the housing has been built and paid for.
If you require help or advice with your application, or would like further information about the Calf Housing for Health and Welfare grant scheme, our team is here to help. Contact your local office on:
Ashby-de-la-Zouch: 01530 877977
Atherstone: 01827 721380
Rugby: 01788 564680
Towcester: 01327 397979
