Monmouthshire County Council aims to boost the local economy by hosting a road show on Monday, 23rd April highlighting grants available for farmers, businesses, new ventures and community groups through the county’s Rural Development Programme (RDP).
The road show, to be held in the Priory Centre, Abergavenny between 2pm and 6pm, has been organised by the council’s Economy and Enterprise division which is responsible for administering the county’s RDP with a team specialising in the development of food products, farming, tourism, general business support, heritage, culture and the natural landscape.
The RDP brings an additional £3 million into the county to stimulate the rural economy through projects to improve the quality of life for rural communities and encourage diversification. Chief Executive Paul Matthews said: “We would encourage Monmouthshire’s businesses and communities to look closely at what’s available as 2012 could be the year when Monmouthshire’s Rural Development Programme can help them realise their potential.”
Robb Merchant of White Castle Vineyard at Llanvetherine near Abergavenny said: “White Castle Vineyard has recently been successful in their application for a Capital Investment Grant under Monmouthshire County Council’s Agripreneurial Farm Diversification Scheme. Agripreneurial Monmouthshire is part of the council’s Rural Development Programme and seeks to support farming households who wish to diversify into non farming activities. White Castle Vineyard will get financial support towards the costs of developing a new visitor centre and shop facility. Other grant funding is available under the Rural Development Programme for community based schemes, renewable energy and building conversions.”
Individuals or organisations wishing to attend the road show in the Priory Centre may book an appointment by clicking on www.monmouthshirerdp.org.uk on the events page, or they can drop in for an informal chat. A further two road shows are set for Usk and Chepstow later in the year.
