Farmers, growers, foresters, or food businesses in south Oxfordshire are being urged to pitch for a share in a £1.89m grant pot.

A special event has been organised on Friday for individuals and organisations who belive they may qualify for funding through the Southern Oxfordshire LEADER programme.

The LEADER programme is a European-funded initiative to support rural projects and involves South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils.

Projects such as farm diversification, tourism initiatives, rural community projects, renewable energy initiatives, and support for rural businesses, which meet the aims of the programme and are within the Southern Oxfordshire boundary, could receive a grant of up to £50,000.

Grants already made include £23,220 to support the energy efficiency aspects of a new milking parlour that is being developed at Step Farm, Faringdon and £30,000 towards the development of a community-run village shop in Brightwell cum Sotwell.

Harry Barton, chairman of the Southern Oxfordshire Local Action Group, said: “The programme offers a real opportunity for farmers to secure major funding support.

“It could help them to diversify their businesses, to develop new products or processes or use new technologies, or to modernise their operations for example by introducing energy efficiency measures.”

The event runs on Friday from 11.30am-1pm at South Oxfordshire District Council headquarters, Crowmarsh Gifford OX10 8ED.

Representatives of businesses or organisations who believe they may qualify for funding can find out more at www.southernoxfordshireleader.org.uk More details are available from Kate Forrest on 01491 823176 or e-mail info@southernoxfordshireleader.org.uk