RURAL businesses in Worcestershire have until this Friday (January 19) to apply for up to £50K grants through the Leading Rural Business Programme (LEADER).

Part of the Rural Development Programme for England, LEADER is delivered locally by Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Local Action Group on behalf of Defra.

The focus of the programme is on growing the economies of rural communities by enabling local people to identify and implement solutions to local problems.

A farm in Worcestershire has recently benefited from a LEADER grant, allowing them to purchase new equipment.

Hill Court Farm near Pershore, a cattle farm, used the grant to purchase a Mzuri strip till drill, which will improve soil structure and make considerable savings on diesel per year. The family-run mixed arable and beef farm has around 200 beef cattle, cider fruit orchards and around 500 acres of crops.

Edward Righton, Owner of Hill Court Farm, said: “Thanks to LEADER, we will be able to considerably reduce the amount of time and diesel used in the establishment of crops thanks to the new Mzuri strip till drill. We estimate that we will save around £7,000 worth of diesel per year.”

Businesses can apply for funding between £2,500 and £50,000. They should demonstrate a benefit to the local rural economy which should contribute to the creation of jobs or the development of business in rural Worcestershire.There are two further deadlines for funding this year, April 13 and July 6. On Tuesday, January 30 an agri-tech roundtable discussion will also take place at The Hive. In partnership with Worcestershire Business Central, the aim of the session is to allow businesses working in agri-tech to showcase their services, connect with other businesses in the sector and discuss growth plans. For more information, visit the Worcestershire Business Central website.