This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Farming roadshow visits Elgin
09/12/2002
North East farmers will be reminded this week about two schemes that can provide funding to farmers, primary food producers and food processors to help develop business ideas.
The roadshow - organised jointly by the Executive and NFU Scotland - will be at the Eight Acres Hotel in Elgin will highlight the benefits of the Agricultural Business Development Scheme (ABDS) and Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme (PMGS).
ABDS is designed to assist with restructuring agricultural businesses or re-orientation of production and offers support towards both agricultural and non-agricultural diversification projects both on and off farm. Support can also be considered for family members wishing to set up or expand diversification projects.
PMGS allows producers and processors to add value to agricultural produce and compete more effectively in the market place. This could be the development of a food business or product that uses local ingredients and the scheme is also designed to encourage farmers growers and processors to collaborate to secure new markets and shorten the supply chain to customers.
The meeting will take place on Tuesday, December 10 at 7:30pm.
Both schemes are part EU and part Executive funded. To date, £6 million in ABDS grant has been awarded to farm and croft businesses to allow 520 projects worth around £18million to get underway.
Under the Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme almost £3.4 million has been awarded in the Highlands and Islands area.