Rural trade gets £1.6m investment

The money will be spread over five years

Farming, forestry and rural trade in west Kent is to benefit from £1.6m worth of government investment.

The money came from the South East England Development Agency after a bid by the West Kent Partnership.

Funds will be used to develop "new enterprises" in the area and provide opportunities for businesses and communities to work together.

Councillor Peter Fleming said the local farming community and rural businesses needed "support and encouragement".

The investment will be spread over five years.

The regional development agency said the cash would be used to improve competitiveness, encourage innovation, promote entrepreneurship, develop rural tourism, tackle deprivation, and ensure "best practice in land management".

Projects will include increasing sale value of local produce, helping farmers diversity and find further income streams, and setting up renewable energy projects that could reduce business costs and tackle climate change.