Food communities across the country are encouraged to apply for a new, dedicated grant to champion regional food and drink.

Further to the 13^th July grant announcement, you will find more details about the scheme on this page.

Please click here and read the guidance before applying for the grant scheme:

Details about the grant scheme

The grant scheme forms part of Defra’s Great British Food Campaign, which launched at the start of 2016. The campaign aims to celebrate our world class food industry and culture, drive growth and jobs in the sector and establish Britain’s reputation as a great food nation. Food tourism is a leading element of the food culture strand of the campaign.

More details are as follows:

• The grant scheme is informed by Defra research. The recently published Rural Tourism and Local Food and Drink report concludes that stronger local food identities in rural areas have the potential to;
  • Increase the attractiveness of rural destinations
  • Encourage greater tourism expenditure
  • Extend the tourism season
  • Retain tourism expenditure in the local economy  
• Scheme projects should build on the benefits and success factors identified in the research above (however the scheme is not exclusive to rural areas)
• The grant fund budget applies to the 2016/17 financial year only, therefore it is aimed at projects that can be completed by March 2017, but demonstrate strong legacy benefits (recognising that this is not peak tourism season)
• Projects should take a collaborative approach, joining-up local food and tourism organisations
• Applications must be for projects principally delivered in England
• The total grant fund is £150,000. The most that can be applied for per project is £25,000
• The application window will be a minimum of 6 weeks from the date the scheme went live on Bravo (15 August 2016). Applications will close 26 September 2016. 
• We encourage potential applicants to acquaint themselves with the Rural Tourism and Local Food and Drink report