Chris Loder, MP for West Dorset, has welcomed the news that a total of over £176,000 has been awarded to farmers across West Dorset who applied for the first round of Animal Health and Welfare grants as part of the Farming Investment Fund. The funding will help local pig, poultry, sheep and cattle farmers who successfully applied to the fund to invest in items, including livestock handling equipment and automated monitoring systems. Mr Loder, who is from a tenant beef farming family, said:
“It is brilliant news that grants for sums of between £1,000 to £25,000 have been awarded to farmers in the constituency to help support the transition to higher animal welfare practices and systems, while boosting productivity and encouraging sustainable food production. Further rounds of funding will be available this year, including more substantial amounts for bespoke infrastructure projects. I would encourage farmers to apply for these grants, and if you need assistance or advice, don’t hesitate to contact me”
