UK Government “Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grounds” grant funding to open in October 2024
The UK Government's Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant is a valuable initiative aimed at promoting sustainability within the poultry industry by encouraging the use of renewable energy and sustainable practices. This grant provides commercial egg producers and pullet rearers with the financial support needed to upgrade their facilities, focusing not only on enhancing the health and welfare of laying hens but also on integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar panels. These sustainable energy upgrades are key to reducing operational costs and environmental impact, making this grant a pivotal opportunity for businesses committed to a greener future.
What the Grant Covers
The grant offers support for two types of projects:
Comprehensive Projects: These projects involve upgrading or replacing existing buildings to enhance bird health and welfare. They must include mechanical ventilation and high welfare multi-tier systems. Optional verandas can also be included to provide birds with access to natural light and fresh air.
Veranda-only Projects: These projects focus on adding verandas to existing housing to improve the living conditions for laying hens and pullets.
Eligible facilities must provide a high level of biosecurity, excellent ambient environments, and maximise space for the birds. The comprehensive projects may also incorporate renewable energy solutions, such as rooftop solar panels, to further enhance environmental sustainability.
Eligibility and Application Details
To qualify for the grant, applicants must be existing commercial egg producers or pullet rearers with a minimum of 1,000 birds. The facilities must be located in England, and applicants must either own the land or have a tenancy agreement extending five years beyond project completion.
Application Timeline:
Online Checker Opens: End of June 2024
Full Application Invitations: Begin in October 2024
For comprehensive projects, applications are competitive and will be evaluated against funding priorities. Veranda-only projects will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful applicants can receive grants covering up to 40% of eligible project costs, with a minimum grant of £15,000 and a maximum of £500,000 for comprehensive projects.
Sustainable Energy Upgrades including Solar PV Systems
One of the unique aspects of this grant is its support for sustainable energy upgrades. Comprehensive projects can include rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing energy costs and reliance on non-renewable sources. The grant covers the installation of solar PV systems up to 25% of the eligible costs, based on the energy needs of the facility.
This initiative not only improves the welfare of the birds but also aligns with broader goals of environmental responsibility and cost savings.
Conclusion
Blue Renewables are well placed to support farmers to achieve their sustainability goals through solar PV system, installation and upgrades. Our experience in the agricultural industry- specifically in the poultry farming sector- installing solar pv to increase sustainability and overall efficiency.
The Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant provides a valuable opportunity for poultry farmers to enhance their facilities, improve animal welfare, and embrace sustainable energy solutions. By investing in these upgrades, farmers can ensure better living conditions for their birds, reduce environmental impact, and future-proof their operations.
For help or support with making an application Blue Renewables can provide feasibility studies and costing projections to support installation and upgrades at potential agricultural sites.
Please contact us to find out more about how we can support you and your business embracing renewable energy sources:
