FARMERS in Ryedale stand to benefit from a new £3.4m funding scheme which has been made available through Yorkshire Forward's single regeneration budget.

The five year programme aims to encourage projects both in farming and fishing which will help to enhance the environment and attract and retain investment, says Nick White, agricultural development officer for the scheme.

"The funding will be available to groups or individuals working collaboratively to provide a service or develop a project that will help agricultural businesses compete and prosper," he said.

"There are many and varied challenges which face the farm businesses and their communities. By no means the least of these is gaining access to the various funds available under the England Rural Development Programme and other programmes.

"I have been appointed to act as the first point of contact to anyone interested in the programme. It is a very valuable scheme and I am sure there are projects being developed in the county which could be given vital suppport from this funding."

Applications for grants can come from members of the farming community, their agents or other public, private and community partnerships.

These will be looked at by the North Yorkshire County Council 'Programme Delivery Team' and presented to the North Yorkshire Agricultural Partnership.

The partnership meets every two months to make decisions on awards. Grants will be based on need but are expected to cover 25-50pc of approved costs.

Mr White can be contacted on (01609) 532974.

Updated: 11:04 Wednesday, February 12, 2003