Any individual, business or properly constituted group can apply. Before applying you must obtain a BRN (Business Reference Number) - see the section on 'how to apply' on the left-hand menu.
For land-based Options you must own or hold the land under secure tenancy agreement for at least five years.
A Local Authority is eligible to apply for funding under Rural Priorities where it manages the land it owns. However a Local Authority cannot apply as an agent to distribute funds to third parties.