Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
This document is also available in pdf format (721k)
Processing and Marketing Grant Scheme
The PMGS offers assistance for a wide range of food processing activities and marketing of primary agricultural produce. The Scheme offers similar opportunities for the processing of fish and aquaculture produce.
The Scheme operates under the Highlands and Islands Special Transitional Programme within the legal framework of the Rural Development Regulation.
Managed by SEERAD (Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department) this scheme is jointly funded by the Scottish Executive and the European Union (EU). It is a discretionary and competitive Scheme and therefore not every eligible application will receive assistance.
Eligibility
All Projects must be based within the Highlands and Islands area. The Scheme is open to a wide range of applicants including individuals, partnerships, groups of producers and private or public companies that process or market quality agricultural produce.
Similarly the Scheme is available to applicants mentioned above in the fishing and aquaculture sectors that process their produce.
What kind of projects are eligible?
Projects that shorten the food supply chain between producer and consumer and demonstrate that value has been added to the agricultural or fishery product.
Projects that lead to the production of new products, new markets or innovative packaging and branding.
Projects that involve the export market, create or safeguard jobs, result in healthier foods or products that improve the Scottish diet.
Projects that involve collaborative marketing or make significant contributions to the local economy.
Projects involving the use of organic produce or that increase the value derived from
by-products or waste.
Financial Assistance
Approved projects may be offered grant of up to 35% of eligible expenditure.
The maximum amount of overall public sector grant assistance allowable is 50% of total eligible project costs for the agricultural sector or 60% in the fishing and aquaculture sectors.
The minimum project cost is 1,000 and there is no maximum project cost.
However, funds are limited and it is advisable to discuss your project with the Scheme Project Co-ordinator.
Grant for training approved as part of the project may be offered at a rate of up to 35% of the eligible training costs. Such assistance will be over and above any project award.
Eligible Expenditure
Applications
Applications are assessed by a Project Assessment Committee (PAC) chaired by SEERAD.
Approved projects will be monitored for up to 10 years after completion.
Further Information
Guidance Notes and more detailed information on the Scheme are available from the Scheme Project Co-ordinator.
Tel. 01463 253065
mo.shepherd@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Scotland and Europe making it work together