Clarke welcomes re-opening of Processing & Marketing Grant Scheme

South Down Alliance Spokesperson Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the re-opening of the Processing and Marketing Grant (PMG) Scheme, which he says is an important part of the Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2007-2013 and provides capital grant assistance to local agri food processing businesses.

Clarke told Newry Times, “I welcome the re-opening of the Processing and Marketing Grant (PMG) Scheme by DARD and would strongly encourage small processors to avail of this scheme with grants of up to £250,000 per approved project which is available for the purchase of plant and equipment as well as minor building alterations.

“The Processing & Marketing Grant (PMG) Scheme is designed to develop and improve the economic performance of the agri-food processing sector. The scheme is open to sole traders through to intermediate sized enterprises (750 employees) involved in the processing of primary agricultural products. The maximum grant rate is 40%.”

“Enterprises and traders in the agricultural and horticultural sectors who are involved in processing and marketing as well as processors, groups of producers who market their produce collaboratively and individual producers who want to process and market their own produce can apply.

Clarke added, “As this is the final call for applications under the current RDP as the Programme is due to close on 31st March 2015 I would encourage those that meet the criteria to take this final opportunity and avail of the financial support as the closing date for applications is Friday 20th September 2013.”

Further information and an application form can be obtained by telephoning Rural Development Division on 028 9052 4219 or 028 9052 4871. Alternatively, you can request an application form by sending an e-mail to pmginfo@dardni.gov.uk.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Aug 27 2013. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry