What is the Climate Positive Viticulture Fund?

The Climate Positive Viticulture Fund, recently launched by the Rural West Sussex Partnership and administered by the South Downs National Park Trust, presents an exciting opportunity for vineyards and wineries in the region to align expansion with environmental stewardship. Here’s what you need to know about the fund and how it could benefit your vineyard business.

This fund aims to support sustainable growth in the viticulture industry within West Sussex, as vineyard coverage in the area is projected to expand significantly over the next decade. With a total funding pool of £66,500, the initiative focuses on enabling vineyards to adopt environmentally friendly practices that benefit natural capital.

Who does the fund support?

The fund focuses on sustainability-driven initiatives that promote biodiversity, reduce environmental impact, and improve resource efficiency. Projects eligible for funding include:

• Obtaining Sustainable Wines of Great Britain (SWGB) certification to align your vineyard with industry-recognized environmental standards.
• Enhancing biodiversity through initiatives such as cover cropping and planting headlands.
• Improving energy efficiency through audits and upgrading to energy-saving systems or renewable energy installations.
• Implementing water conservation measures, including rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling.
• These initiatives not only contribute to environmental goals but can also create operational efficiencies, reducing long-term costs and enhancing your vineyard’s reputation.

The Climate Positive Viticulture Fund has specific exclusions to ensure the funding is directed toward impactful, forward-looking projects. It does not cover retrospective projects or work started before the grant offer is received, nor does it include staff salaries or typical business overheads. Routine maintenance, repairs to existing buildings, equipment, or machinery, and statutory responsibilities such as health and safety requirements are also excluded. Additionally, planning fees or work mandated by existing planning consent, as well as VAT, are not eligible for funding.

Who can apply?

The fund is open to UK registered vineyard, wineries and grape distillers that operate within the administrative boundary of Arun, Chichester, Horsham or Mid Sussex District Councils.

You will need to submit to your application by Thursday 30th January 2025, with the verdicts being communicated towards the end of February 2025.

We are proud to work with many Vineyards and Wineries across Sussex and the South East. Get in touch with one of our specialist Vineyard team on 01903 234094 to find out how we can help.