FARMERS and rural groups in Hampshire will be able to apply for rural development funding as part of a new wave of grants.

They can bid for a share of £1.6m from the Fieldfare Local Action Group, which was set up in 2007 by local people interested in supporting their rural communities.

It is part of the Fieldfare LEADER programme in partnership with Winchester City Council, Eastleigh Borough Council, East Hampshire District Council and the South Downs National Park Authority.

Grants are available for projects which meet the aims of Fieldfare’s Local Development Strategy, and they are after projects which will create jobs, increase farm or forestry productivity, develop new markets, increase visitor spend in an area or provide an essential rural service.

Portfolio Holder for Local Economy Cllr James Byrnes, said: “Fieldfare has achieved a lot over the last five years, and we want to help it achieve even more for our rural communities. Together we can support local people to build more sustainable rural economies and communities.”

Fieldfare will be announcing when funding is available for different projects over the next five years.

The first request is for projects which will create employment opportunities. Future rounds will include projects to help tourism or service-based businesses amongst other priorities.

Further details about Fieldfare LEADER can be found at www.Fieldfareleader.org.uk