funding SECURED to WARD OFF FROSTS IN AN ENGLISH VINEYARD

To combat the potential of losing 50% of crops during frosts, an Essex based vineyard appointed ARC Chair and grant specialist Emma Powlett to secure funding, which has created an eco-friendly, innovative solution.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

England’s cool climate, which is similar to that of the famous vineyards of Champagne in northern France, is especially well suited to sparkling wine production. However, frosts can be damaging.

This is why many English vineyards light wet bales early in the morning, to reduce the effects of frosts on the vines. Defra’s future Clear Air Strategy will soon be looking to landowners to minimise pollution, and this method increases air pollution, is environmentally unfriendly and is anti-social, attracting complaints from neighbours.

THE SOLUTION:

Emma Powlett, who has managed successful European Rural Development Programmes and is a grant specialist, was appointed by the vineyard to help secure a grant to purchase a frost fan to modify the vineyard’s climate and ward off the effects of frost.

THE OUTCOME:

The grant was approved. The innovative solution of installing a frost fan, has saved crops, increased their yield and improved profitability. Not only has the project provided financial benefits to the viticulture business, it has improved the quality of the air, benefiting the vineyard and local area.

If your organisation would like to benefit from ARC’s rural business grants expertise, and rural business development advice:

Email: growth@angliaruralconsultants.com or Phone: 07831 208 963