Farmers can apply for grants of up to £25,000 to give their businesses a boost.
Farming Minister Jim Paice announced applications were open, to enable businesses to buy new machinery and develop green projects, while whole communities in the remotest areas could get superfast broadband to help transform their businesses and the wider community.
The grants total £40 million and mark the opening of the second round of the Rural Community Broadband Fund and the publication of guidance to a second wave of applicants to the Farming and Forestry Improvement Scheme.
The Minister said: “This is good news for rural communities, as many of the farms and businesses that missed out the first time around will get another chance to apply for grants of up to £25,000, which will make a major difference to how they run their business.
“We’re already hearing about the great benefits that our investment has brought to rural businesses and farms. Today, we’re transforming the business prospects of many more with new opportunities to get superfast broadband and boost their profits with new technology.”
Communications Minister Ed Vaizey added: “Superfast broadband has the potential to transform our most remote communities by opening up a world of new opportunities.
“The fund will back those communities working to help themselves by bringing broadband to their homes and helping businesses develop and grow.”