The project comprises of a capital grant scheme which will provide a one off payment for farming households seeking to diversify into non agricultural activity.
Capital grants will be made available for:

• The conversion of redundant buildings
• The purchase of capital equipment.

The objectives of this project are:

• To maintain and increase the income of farm households in rural Carmarthenshire.
• To provide the necessary capital resource required to enable farming families to diversify into non agricultural activity.
• To retain young people in the farming industry by helping them to develop alternative sources of income and alternative employment opportunities.

Rural Conversion Grants

Grant assistance of between £10,000 & £50,000 for conversion of redundant farm buildings to enable farmers to diversify into new (non- agricultural) business opportunities.

Priority will be given to the following end uses;

• Service activities (Education, childcare & social skills facilities
• Outdoor pursuits and works that provide ancillary services linked to key tourist attractions
• Upgrade of facilities for business rental
• Farm shops

Grant recipients must employ an appropriately qualified professional to assess tenders, supervise works and provide certificates for completed works. This can be covered by the grant up to a limit of 15% of total project costs provided that it has been included in the application form and there is written agreement from the county council.

Capital Equipment Grant

Assistance of between £1,000 & £10,000 to assist farmers to purchase equipment that is essential to enable the farmer to diversify into new business opportunities.

To qualify, applicants must be based within the following wards:

For more information please contact Vivienne Davies, Physical Regeneration Project Manager on 01267 242341 or email ViDavies@carmarthenshire.gov.uk