Opening to applications on Monday, 22 November, the Co-op Carbon Innovation Fund, which is providing grant-funding of £3 million over the period 2022-2024, is designed to:
1. Support projects which will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the food and farming sector, and
2. Fund projects that create benefits for the wider community, particularly communities most adversely impacted by climate change.
Eligible projects could be, for example (please note this is not an exclusive list):
o Community supported agriculture initiatives.
o Farming and food production practices.
o Initiatives around regenerative agriculture/agroecology, and
o Supporting diversity, resilience and learning amongst key players in the food and farming sector.
Grants of between £75,000 and £100,000 are available. Interest-free loans are also being offered through the programme.
Applications are welcomed from a broad range of agencies (see “Who can apply” above). Partnership applications with a nominated lead agency are welcomed.
Grants can be used to cover such items as:
o Costs of equipment and materials.
o Land or building projects.
o Project evaluation.
o Research and development.
o Staffing.
o Support costs, for example transport or utility costs, and
o Training costs.
Further information, guidance, a YouTube webinar and details about how to apply is available on the Co-op Foundation website.
Stage 1 of the application process opens on Monday 22 November 2021 and will close to applications at midday (12 noon GMT) on Friday 10 December 2021.
