Applications are now open for a new hen housing grant available to laying hen and pullet farmers in England, with flocks of 1,000 birds or more. The grant is being delivered by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).
The grant can be used to part fund two different types of projects:
- Installing a new veranda on an existing building, with between £5,000 and £100,000 available towards the cost.
- Refurbishing or replacing existing laying hen and pullet housing, with between £15,000 and £500,000 available towards the cost.
Farmers are eligible to apply for the grant if they are:
- An existing commercial egg producer or pullet rearer.
- A registered keeper of 1000 or more birds, which must be on site when you fill in the online checker or have been within the last 6 months.
Grants for installing a new veranda on an existing building will be awarded on a first come first served basis. Projects to refurbish or replace existing buildings are more varied and therefore scored to ensure that the projects that best meet the grant priorities go forward.
There is a 2-stage application process, applicants are only permitted to apply for one project type, either comprehensive or veranda. Multiple project applications can be made up to the maximum grant amount. To apply for funding for more than one building, a separate application will need to be made for each.
The online checker is now open and closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday 18th September 2024. Eligible applicants will be invited to submit full applications from October 2024.
To find out more about the Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant and the opportunities that it offers, please contact Vicky Price on 07789 986904 email vicky.price@berrys.uk.com.
