METS Scheme extends closing date for applications

13/01/2011

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has extended the closing date for the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) until 4pm on Friday 21 January 2011.

The Scheme, which opened for applications on the 01 December 2010, will provide a total of £1.25m of financial support for specialised slurry spreading equipment. It is delivered under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and is open to applications from individual famers and collective groups.

Announcing the extension to the closing date, Minister Gildernew said: "Since METS opened we have endured the coldest December on record. I am conscious of the difficulties faced by farmers as a result of the severe weather and of the additional work it has generated for them. Coping with the consequences of this weather has demanded extra time and effort for tending to livestock and carrying out daily farming activities.

"Farmers are used to dealing with inclement weather but the severity of last month's cold spell meant that they had to work very hard to make it business as usual. In some cases, this will have diverted attention from applying to the METS. In recognition of this, I am extending the closing date for applications until 4pm on Friday 21 January.

"Farmers interested in applying to the scheme should do so as soon as possible and allow themselves adequate time to complete the detail required on slurry volume and livestock numbers. This extension will not cause an undue delay in issuing Letters of Offer to successful applicants so that equipment can be purchased and operational for slurry spreading in the Spring".

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