WEST Devon farmers can get advice on accessing funding for re-using redundant farm buildings at a one day seminar being held in Okehampton next month. One of the South West's leading agents, Carver Knowles, is running a series of day seminars around Devon and Somerset, pointing the way to the final pot of funding available to anyone in the agricultural industry interested in converting their old farm buildings. The seminar takes place in the Charter Hall, Okehampton from 2pm on Wednesday, February 7. Mark Neason, partner at Carver Knowles, said: 'There is no shortage of good and exciting ideas for redundant building conversions and our aim is to assist as many farmers as we can to access as much funding as possible to help them put their ideas into practice.' Capital grant aid can be obtained for up to a quarter of the capital costs via the little known Rural Renaissance redundant building grant programme, which provides funding for building conversions to a use that will stimulate employment. With the better known building grants such as those available under the Rural Enterprise Scheme now closed to new applications, farmers will need to be quick off the mark to access any funding programmes while they can. For the Rural Renaissance schemes, farmers will need to have lodged their applications by September 2007 with full planning permission in place. Extra financial assistance is also available through Business Link to help farmers with the costs of feasibility studies and to cover the cost of submitting a planning application. The seminars are funded by the new Farm Business Advice Service delivered by Business Link in the South West. The seminars are free but as places are limited farmers are advised to book in advance. For more information, please ring Carver Knowles for details on 01823 350000.
