Farmers in Wales can apply for funding to test new ideas on their farms, with applications opening soon for the Try Out Fund.
Brecon: Farming Connect is rolling out a new funding opportunity for farmers. They’re calling it the Try Out Fund, and it’s all about helping folks test out fresh ideas on their farms.
The application window kicks off on January 27, 2025, and runs until February 17. If you’re selected, you could snag up to £5,000 to support your trial projects.
Last time around, the fund helped with some cool projects, like improving pest management at a pick-your-own strawberry farm. It’s all about finding practical solutions to real problems.
Menna Williams, who leads the project, mentioned that this fund is designed to tackle local issues while boosting efficiency and profits in farming. Plus, it’s a great way to protect the environment.
She also pointed out that with all the changes coming in agriculture, now’s the perfect time for farmers to explore new ideas that could really make a difference.
The fund is open to individuals or groups of up to four farmers in Wales who have a specific challenge or opportunity in mind. It’s all about farmers taking the lead on their projects, which means they’re super invested from the get-go.
Projects should aim to improve production efficiency and profitability while sticking to sustainable practices. There’s a handy guidance handbook on the Farming Connect website to help with project outlines and applications.
To apply, you’ll need to be registered with Farming Connect and wrap up your project by January 2026. The funding can cover things like technical help, testing, and even short-term equipment rentals.
Once the projects are done, the results will be shared with other farmers in Wales, thanks to collaboration with a Farming Connect team member. If you’re interested, check out the Farming Connect website for more info or reach out via email at fctryout@mentera.cymru.
