CUMBRIAN farmers must act swiftly if they wish to tap into the Government's new £27 million Farming Investment Fund, industry has warned.

The aim of the grant is to provide funding for a range of items which the government believe will

improve productivity and efficiency within the sector, as was as reducing the impact on the

environment.

The deadline for applications is noon on January 7 2022.

Wigton-based Hopes Auction Company is hosting a Farm Equipment Grants Open Night on Wednesday, November 24 at 6.30pm.

Various local companies will be on hand to give advice on the equipment available through the grant and Hopes Land Agency will be on hand to assist with applications and answer any questions farmers may have.

Anyone wishing to attend should contact 016973 44901.

A welcome change to the grant is that not only farmers are eligible, but also horticulturalists, forestry owners and contractors.

Unlike the previous scheme the grant is being offered as a fixed amount, rather than a percentage of the standard cost.

The minimum grant is £2000 and the maximum grant is £25,000. You can claim a maximum of £50,000 if

you were to then go on to make a further claim in a second round of funding.