A Torfaen producer is the latest business to benefit from the Branching Out Fund.
Mountain View Produce, based in Henllys, was awarded £3,320 to help it produce, market and distribute its goat’s milk soap.
Tracey Morris received the grant through the Torfaen Rural Development Plan (RDP) – a project delivered through a strategic partnership and a local action group, creaTe.
The grant was used to purchase materials and ingredients for the production of the soap, buy a new van, set up a website and purchase a stall for use at markets and events.
Tracey said: “We are delighted to receive this funding as it will help us expand and turn our business dream into reality.
“We have already started to develop new products within the range such as body lotions, face creams and bath bombs
“The funding will improve the quality of our products and the council’s free help and advice was invaluable.”
Tracey started as a small holder looking to establish a goat dairy in Henllys producing unpasteurised goats’ milk and related produce. She keeps a variety of other animals including pigs and geese and sells eggs, meat and breeding stock.
Local farmers, businesses and community groups can apply to creaTe for grants up to £5,000 to help develop enterprise through diversification activities.
The RDP, which runs until 2013, is funded through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and aims to:
- Improve the quality of life in rural communities
- Strengthen the farming and forestry industries
- Safeguard and enhance Torfaen’s environment and rural heritage
- Foster competitive, sustainable businesses and thriving rural communities.
There are seven wards in Torfaen classed as rural and rural-based business in these areas could be eligible for grant from the Branching Out Fund. The wards are Llanyrafon South, Blaenavon, Abersychan, Cwmynyscoy, Llantarnam, Two Locks and Henllys, and Wainfelin.
For more information on the RDP, contact 01495 742146. More information about Tracey and her products can be found at www.mountainviewproduce.com
