FARMING communities across North Yorkshire are to benefit from a new £3.4m funding package over the next five years.
North Yorkshire County Council, on behalf of Yorkshire Forward, will manage the programme across the region.
Grants will be available to groups or individuals, working collaboratively to provide a service or develop a project that will help businesses compete and prosper.
The aim is not only to help enhance the environment, but to attract and retain investment within rural and coastal areas.
Projects to benefit from funding so far include: The Yorkshire Rural Support Network which provides advice and support to tackle the problem of stress in rural communities; a local food produce initiative which promotes locally-produced foods, and Wensleydale Fine Foods, a 12-month project intended to establish a producer club based round Hawes auction mart and its customers.
Commenting on his role, and the way forward, Nick White, NYCC agricultural development officer said: "Farming faces a huge challenge to adapt the way in which it does business. My role, supported by this funding, is to help North Yorkshire farmers secure their future by taking advantage of the opportunities it might offer."
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