<\/p>\n
Menter M\u00f4n\u2019s\u00a0Machinery<\/span>\u00a0Ring<\/span>\u00a0scheme uses an innovative, collaborative approach, designed to encourage growers and farmers to grow more, allowing them to access and use the equipment needed while reducing the financial risk of purchasing their own equipment.<\/p>\n Four Local Food Partnerships – Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, and Denbighshire – have joined forces in a push to scale up horticulture across the region. Their motivation is to increase homegrown produce in the public sector, retail and hospitality.<\/p>\n Backed by the Welsh Government\u2019s Collaborative Grant Scheme, the initiative is now calling on farmers and growers to come forward and identify the\u00a0machinery<\/span>\u00a0they need, from small tractors and precision seeders, to composting\u00a0machinery<\/span>\u00a0and harvesting equipment.<\/p>\n The scheme aims to remove one of the biggest barriers facing small and medium-scale horticultural producers: the high cost of purchasing equipment outright.<\/p>\n \u201cBy creating a shared pool of\u00a0machinery<\/span>\u00a0accessible on a flexible and cost-effective basis, the project offers an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify or expand their horticulture operations without major financial risk,\u201d said Menter M\u00f4n\u2019s Project Manager, David Wylie.<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThis is an opportunity for growers to shape the scheme from day one. We want to hear exactly what equipment they need and will use. This model provides a practical, low-risk route into horticulture – at a time of uncertainty for the sector, it has the potential to be a genuine game changer.\u201d<\/p>\n The initiative builds on successful recent pilots – including Conwy\u2019s fresh broccoli supply chain trial – and aligns with many Welsh Government priorities such as the Community Food Strategy, Net Zero Wales, and the Universal Primary Free School Meals, which is increasing demand for locally sourced produce.<\/p>\n The project will work closely with the Wales Horticulture Cluster, funded by Food and Drink Wales and supported by Farming Connect Horticulture (Horticulture Cluster), ensuring growers can access technical support, skills development and industry networks.<\/p>\n Debbie Handley, Wales Horticulture Cluster Lead, said: \u201cGrowers are facing some of the toughest operating conditions in decades with rising production costs, labour challenges and increasing pressure to meet local market demand.<\/p>\n \u201cThe\u00a0Machinery<\/span>\u00a0Ring<\/span>\u00a0provides something incredibly timely and practical. It enables producers to trial specialist equipment, reduce overheads, improve efficiency and build confidence to diversify into horticulture or\u00a0scale up their existing production.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will help both new entrants and established businesses strengthen their resilience and contribute to a more secure, sustainable Welsh food system. This is a significant step forward for horticulture in North Wales.\u201d<\/p>\n The\u00a0Machinery<\/span>\u00a0Ring<\/span>\u00a0will be shaped by grower input gathered in collaboration with Lantra, ensuring fair access and long-term viability. Opportunities to collaborate with other UK\u00a0machinery<\/span>\u00a0ring<\/span>s and social enterprise models will also be explored to maximise impact.<\/p>\n The launch coincides with the closing window for the Welsh Government\u2019s Agricultural Diversification and Horticulture Scheme, which remains open until December 5. The scheme supports farmers and horticultural producers looking to establish or expand diversification projects and commercial horticulture ventures.<\/p>\n