Diversified dairy farms now have the opportunity to receive a grant of up to £50,000 through the Legacy Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (Leap). This initiative, funded by the Dick Lawes Legacy Fund, aims to provide technical development support and mentorship to selected projects within the dairy supply chain.
The Leap programme, which focuses on supporting emerging food start-ups, particularly in the dairy sector, is being spearheaded by AberInnovation, a biosciences innovation and enterprise campus. The fund, established in memory of renowned animal nutrition entrepreneur Dick Lawes, aims to continue his legacy of innovation in the dairy industry. Dick Lawes was the founder of animal nutrition businesses Volac and LE Pritchitt & Co, which are now part of Lakeland Dairies.
In the upcoming year of 2024-2025, the Leap fund plans to support up to eight projects in agriculture, human food and nutrition, emphasizing farm-to-fork processes in the dairy sector and animal nutrition. Each selected project will receive a grant ranging from £30,000 to £50,000.
Based near Aberystwyth, Wales, AberInnovation is dedicated to promoting cutting-edge research and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector throughout the UK. Rhian Hayward, the chief executive of the organization, highlighted the importance of the Dick Lawes Legacy Fund in providing essential support to projects that have the potential to drive significant advancements in agriculture, food, nutrition, and life sciences.
AberInnovation specializes in supporting early-stage research and development in biotechnology, food & drink, and agri-tech. By working with companies of all sizes on innovations related to climate change and food security, AberInnovation serves as a hub for merging academic and industrial expertise. The campus is one of five research and innovation centers funded by UK Research and Innovation’s Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
In conclusion, the Leap programme offers a valuable opportunity for diversified dairy farms to access funding and support for their innovative projects. Through the Legacy Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme, promising start-ups in the dairy sector can receive the necessary resources to make a lasting impact on the industry. With the backing of the Dick Lawes Legacy Fund, these projects have the potential to drive advancements in agriculture, food production, and animal nutrition, benefiting both the sector and society as a whole.
