The Agri-Tech Innovation Centre Fund is part of the £3.2m Eastern England Agri-Tech Growth Initiative, designed to enhance the provision of agricultural research facilities and to support the deeper integration science and research with growers and producers.
The Fund (worth up to £500,000) has been created to establish a Centre that can act as a focal point for the translation of research concepts into application in the agricultural and food processing sector. It should provide facilities meetings, conferencing, training and specialist skills development.
The process
The Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Parttnership (LEP) is inviting interested parties to submit a short written proposal by 8th January 2013. Proposals will be assessed, with the final location being selected by the Programme Delivery Board. A decision will be made as soon as possible after the closing date.
Applicants are asked to note the following:
- The facility must be located between within either the Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough or NewAnglia LEP area and be easily accessible by road and/or rail.
- Funding is capital only, for buildings and equipment/machinery. Associated revenue costs must be covered by the applicant.
- Applicants may be from public or private sector.
- Work must begin on the Centre before June 2014 and be complete by January 2015.
- Facility is most likely to be an existing building or extension or part of an already planned development due to the timescales outlined.
- Proposals must demonstrate engagement and support from both the private sector and from research institutes.
- Each applicant should provide a clear indication of the potential benefits to farmers, food manufacturers and retailers stemming from their proposal.
How to apply
Please download and complete the project proposal form and then email it to: [email protected] by 8th January 2014.
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