Rural projects have the chance to apply for a grant up to £50,000 from the Prince’s Countryside Fund.

The applications are open until 21 February and the grant is aimed at improving the prospects of viability for rural communities and farm businesses.

Since its inception in 2010, the fund gives out over £1m/year within two application windows. Projects supported include developing stronger, more sustainable farm businesses, with the aim of halting the decline of the rural economy.

Other supported aims are encouraging local food production and short supply chains, farmer networks, and skills and training.

There is also emphasis on making farm businesses more resilient to natural disasters, such as flooding and disease.

Claire Saunders, director of the Prince’s Countryside Fund, commented on the programme: “Our grants help to support a diverse range of projects, such as training vouchers for young farmers, equipment for local abattoirs, overheads and staffing costs for farmer led networks.”