Lewes District Council

Rural Business

Hay bales in a field Dedicated information on a wide range of programmes, projects, services and financial support available to rural business operating within the district.

The Sussex Downs & Low Weald LEADER Programme

Farmers, growers, foresters, rural businesses and community organisations can apply for funding towards projects that will invest in the future of rural Sussex. Funding is aimed at rural development that will generate new and additional income to support the rural economy, or provide facilities that benefit rural communities.

LEADER can provide up to £50,000 funding for exceptional projects. Where there is a commercial return 40 - 50% funding may be available and where there is local community benefit up to 80% funding may be applied for.

A Taste of Sussex

A Taste of Sussex provides comprehensive support service to Sussex-based food organisations including producers and processors to expand their markets.

With the support of Sussex Enterprise, A Taste of Sussex aims to:

Encourage the development of sustainable food businesses that contributes to the rural economy
Increase awareness, amongst the public and trade, of the diversity and quality of the produce available from Sussex
Foster good business practice and assist producers to compete as viable enterprises
Organise marketing and promotional activities
Encourage high standards of training, production, presentation and quality of assurance of local produce

Sussex Food Finder

The Sussex Food Finder is an essential guide to the farms and food businesses in Sussex. It also contains a listing of markets, shops and restaurants specialising in local produce and a directory of useful food organisations. Sussex Food Finder is managed by A Taste of Sussex, the local food and drink business support network.

Sussex Breakfast

We support the Sussex Breakfast and encourage local businesses to use the delicious, local and seasonal produce found across East & West Sussex.

Any Sussex accommodation or hospitality business serving breakfast can become an accredited provider when providing breakfasts containing at least 60% local seasonal ingredients.

Making Local Food Work

Making Local Food Work is a initiative aiming to reconnect people and land through local food by increasing access to fresh, healthy, local food with clear, traceable origins.

Whether you are a producer looking for local outlets for your food, a representative of a community group looking to get involved or somebody looking for places to buy local food near you, you will find the information you’re looking for here.

Action In Rural Sussex

Action in Rural Sussex provide practical support to villages and rural communities. This enables them to be vibrant living and working places.

Rural Shops Alliance

The Rural Shops Alliance is a national trade association working to support the owners of independent rural shops.

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