Are you a vineyard, winery or grape distiller in West Sussex looking to make your business project and practices more sustainable? If so, then this fund may be for you!
Hectares under vine in West Sussex are anticipated to grow from 505 hectares (2020) to 759 by 2030 – over 50% expansion within a decade. This fund aims to support this anticipated growth in the most environmentally sustainable way possible.
The funding has been secured by members of the Rural West Sussex Partnership to support viticulture and natural capital development in rural West Sussex districts and is administered by the South Downs National Park Trust.
Applications will be assessed by a grants panel comprising of members of the Rural West Sussex Partnership who will prioritise projects that demonstrate the greatest environmental impact, value for money, and innovative approach.
Who can apply?
You will be a UK registered company operating as a vineyard, winery and/or grape distiller within the administrative boundary of Arun, Chichester, Horsham or Mid Sussex District Councils.
Check your Council using your postcode here
How to apply
Please read the Guidance Notes before starting your application form, which will tell you exactly what information is needed to apply.
Use this Application Form and return to the Grants Officer before the deadline.
If demand greatly exceeds the available funding, the opportunity will be closed early. Do not delay in completing your application!
Submit your application by Thursday 30 January 2025. Decisions will be communicated by the end of February 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Should funds remain, a second application round will open to a broader range of businesses within these districts later in 2025.
What can it fund?
Qualifying businesses can be awarded up to 50% of their eligible project costs, to a maximum grant value of £10,000. The total funding pot available is £66,500.
Examples could include, but are not limited to:
- Wine GB Sustainability Certifications: cases that support achieving SWGB certification (SWGB Guidelines (WineGB))
- Biodiversity gain: Measures that support an increase in biodiversity, such as cover cropping, headland planting and non-plantable areas.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: to prevent, reduce or re-use waste, for example asset pooling with other vineyards, nutrient cycling measures, productivity redesign measures.
- Energy efficiency upgrades: Energy audits, Energy-efficient upgrades, such as installing energy-saving appliances, energy management systems, LED lighting, insulation, or smart thermostats. Upgrading windows, doors, or roofing materials to improve energy efficiency.
- Renewable energy installation: Installing renewable energy systems to generate clean, on-site energy.
- Water conservation measures: Implement water-saving measures, examples included (but not limited to) low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, remote sensor tech, winery wastewater recycling.
- Water quality measures: Additional maintenance and upgrades to septic tanks and private wastewater treatment works to remove phosphorus, inspections to check and correct sewage water connections
- Green infrastructure: Green roof systems, permeable paving, or rain gardens, to manage stormwater runoff and improve biodiversity. Air quality improvements through clean emission equipment, CO2 fermentation capture technology
- Sustainable transportation: Solutions that encourage zero emission transport, such as cycle infrastructure that connect vineyards or eco-friendly transportation options for wine tourism.
- Specialist Advice: Consultants fees such as specialist advice are eligible for consideration where supported by a strong justification.
What cannot be covered by the funding?
- Retrospective projects or work that commenced prior to receipt of a grant offer
- Staff salaries and typical business overheads
- Ongoing maintenance and routine repairs. For example to existing buildings, equipment and machinery
- Statutory responsibilities such as health and safety requirements
- Planning fees or work that is required as a condition of an existing planning consent.
- VAT
About the funders:
The Rural West Sussex Climate Positive Viticulture fund is administered by the South Downs National Park Trust and made possible through funding from the Rural West Sussex Partnership, which comprises:
- Arun District Council
- Chichester District Council
- Horsham District Council
- Mid Sussex District Council
- South Downs National Park Authority
- West Sussex County Council
Rural West Sussex Partnership
