Dairy farms and those connected to the dairy supply chain in Cumbria and South and West Scotland can still take advantage of four major funding opportunities as part of the newly formed Digital Dairy Chain.

The Digital Dairy Chain, which was launched last year as a £21m UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) funded project, aims to put the region on the world map as leaders in advanced, sustainable, digitally connected dairy production.

The five-year project offers farmers, processors, producers and those involved in the supply chain a hub of support, funding and business development opportunities.

The funding competition is just one of four tranches of funding and business support that the Digital Dairy Chain is offering to anyone involved in the dairy sector.

Stuart Martin, programme director of the Digital Dairy Chain, explains: "Alongside these funding and support schemes, we are also running education and engagement projects to address the industry's urgent skills shortage as well as showcasing the range of opportunities for young people in modern dairying."

The four areas of funding include:

1. Research, collaboration and growth funding competition

- An Innovate UK Managed grant funding programme

- Up to £2m available. Grants likely to be between £50-£350k.

- Closing date end of May.

- Focusses on improving productivity and sustainability in advanced, high value dairy production.

2. Innovation Brokerage Vouchers

- Funding exists through Innovation Vouchers to encourage partnerships between a business or start-up and a university for an innovation project.

- Projects must be novel and lead to new products, processes, or services.

- Covers up to 50% of the total project cost.

- Grant of up to £10,000. The business must contribute an equal value in cash or in kind.

- All SME's, social enterprises, third-party organisations and sole traders with operations within the region are eligible.

3. The Milk Round Technology Accelerator

This pot of money is available to help entrepreneurs develop new products. It supports individuals and SMEs with technology ideas that could improve efficiency in the dairy sector, reduce its environmental impact or help to meet net-zero targets. This programme offers hands-on technical, engineering and business support to help develop a concept and fast-track it to demonstration and testing.

4. Product Development Facilities

The last area of funding will give producers of dairy products and dairy-based food and drink the chance to develop new products through two Maker Spaces based in Cumbria and Ayrshire. The Cumbrian Maker Space is based out of Appleby Creamery and will be operational later this spring.

Ant Hobson, Maker Space coordinator, explains: "If you are thinking about diversifying but scared to take that next step, then this is an easy way in, and we will take you under our wing.

"Or for anyone with a dairy product they want to take to that next level, the Maker Space allows producers to do that with mentorship and training opportunities. This is not just for farmers, it is anyone using a dairy product," he added.

Examples may include supporting the development of dairy food and drink products with novelty, health benefits or opportunities for import substitution such as fermented products like Kefir, dairy desserts and non-UK cheese such as Halloumi and Feta.

For more information on the Digital Dairy Chain, visit https://www.digitaldairychain.co.uk/ or email info@digitaldairychain.co.uk