A further £3 million is to be been pumped into a special fund over the next three years to help farmers be sustainable and profitable.

The government’s Agriculture Development Scheme (ADS) is aimed at paying for projects to help farmers and producers in England to be more competitive and work together through improved marketing.

Since its inception in 2000, around £14m has been awarded through the scheme.

Larry Whitty, food and farming minister, said: “ADS grants help farmers work together and add value to their products as well as boost profits. The extra money will help farmers and rural businesses continue this work.”

However, from September ADS will fund only projects designed to have a national impact, up to now it has been open to regionally piloted projects, but this option was rarely taken up.

A spokesman said applications for regional projects would be considered up until June but not after that.