Grants of up to £50,000 are available to support projects that will improve the prospects and viability of family farm businesses or that will drive economic vibrancy and sustain rural areas.

The Prince's Countryside Fund is offering up to £600,000 to charities and social enterprises in rural communities.

Claire Saunders, director of The Prince’s Countryside Fund, said: “Farmers and rural businesses continue to be faced with huge challenges, so the support offered by the fund is needed more than ever. Many of our grants aim to support projects that help farmers improve their skills and confidence, whether they are new entrants to the industry or run established businesses.

“We have also seen the devastating effect that the closure of a shop or pub can have to village life, removing both vital amenities and places for social interaction. Our grants act as a reminder that we must prioritise and support businesses in the countryside to ensure we maintain a thriving and sustainable future for the UK’s rural areas.”

The fund has recently supported the Farmer Network in Cumbria, allowing them to provide training vouchers to farmers in the local area. Tom, a farmer who has been able to complete a spraying course thanks to this, said: “Organisations like the Farmer Network are a life line to the farming community, giving advice and funding discounted courses. Without this service, I would not have been able to afford to complete the training.”

A grant has also been awarded to support a community shop in Beckbury, Shropshire. Dr Heather Thomas, chair of the board of the Beckbury Community Shop, said: “We’re thrilled that after several years of hard work, the prospect of a community shop is now a reality, and very grateful to The Prince’s Countryside Fund. We are very much looking forward to enhancing community life and addressing the hidden issues that can so easily be missed in a small village.”

This grant was made possible thanks to support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Grant applications open online on Monday September 4 and close at 5pm on Thursday October 5.