Moat Farm – meat processing

Moat Farm: Plans for Expansion Supported by LEADER Grant

A local farmer in Stoke Mandeville has received a financial boost from the LEADER Programme, a source of funding for farmers, foresters, rural business and community organisations.

Anthony Pearce at Moat Farm will use the funding to develop his meat processing unit, part of his plan to expand and remain competitive in the current market.

Moat Farm’s lambs and turkeys are in high demand from local butchers and restaurants.

Nick Phillips, Programme Manager for LEADER said: “It is a fantastic unit and I am delighted we were able to help with the project. The LEADER programme is here to help farmers diversify.”

Mr Pearce comments: “Although there seems to be a fair bit of paperwork involved, the LEADER team are there to help and it is a great resource.”

£5 million will be available between now and 2013 in the Chilterns and Aylesbury Vale and rural Milton Keynes areas. The funding is targeted to support farmers in diversification adding value to tourism, timber and exciting projects that will benefit local communities.

For those looking to find out about the LEADER fund please visit the LEADER Programme website.

What is the LEADER Programme?

LEADER is a scheme for delivering and exciting new source of funding for farmers, foresters, rural business and community organisations. The funding is part of the Rural Development Programme for England.

£5 million has been secured for allocation to local projects between now and 2013. The funding is targeted mainly to support farmers in diversification adding value to tourism, timber and exciting projects that will benefit local communities.

Projects have been supported in areas such as developing new farm businesses, community run shops, and equestrian businesses.