Local farmers across Craigavon, Armagh and Newry & Mourne Councils are being urged by Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR) to seek farm diversification grants worth up to £50,000 which are as quick and easy to apply for as counting sheep. The next deadline for farming families to apply is 4pm on 11th June with further calls for applications planned up until 2013.With almost £1 million already granted to rural small businesses creating 57 new rural jobs, SOAR’s Joint Committee Council and the Local Action Group are keen to hear from farmers who wish to set up a new business outside of mainstream agriculture, emphasising that the process is easy and straightforward. They are also keen to emphasise that applicants will be supported by a friendly, helpful and experienced team of people who are available to talk them through their business ideas.Once approved, the funds can be used for either new equipment or buildings with past applicants having been awarded grants for projects as diverse as light engineering, self-catering accommodation, leisure activities and repair services. Speaking about the grants, Councillor Josephine O’Hare, Chairperson of SOAR’s Joint Council Committee said, “Many farmers have buildings or other facilities which have potential to be developed into small businesses outside of mainstream agriculture and we are now calling on them to apply for grants which will allow them to grow their business and in turn supplement their farm income.”Adding to this, SOAR’s Action Group Chairman, Miceal McCoy said, “Farming families have an excellent opportunity to make use of grants of up to £50,000 which are available to set up or develop an existing business and with six professional staff available across the three Council areas to help guide them, farmers can be confident that they will receive the support they need to develop their plans.”In preparation for submitting an application for a grant, farmers are asked to provide market research or test-marketing to demonstrate that there is a local market for the new business. The new business can operate on a part-time business and Council staff are available to work with all family members to ensure that the business is a success.Farmers interested in applying for grants can contact Elaine Cullen, Programme Manager and the rest of the team across the three Councils at Craigavon Borough Council on (028) 3831 2588, Armagh City & District Council on (028) 3752 9618 or Newry & Mourne District Council on (028) 3086 8900 & (028) 4177 4381.