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10 September 2010
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Farm Modernisation Programme to open in September

26 July 2010

Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that the second tranche of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) will open for applications in early September 2010.

The Minister also revealed that she is seeking to bring forward a third tranche of the Programme and a further tranche of the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) as soon as possible

In the interim, a full Equality Impact Assessment of the FMP will be undertaken.

Commenting on the consultation, the Minister said: “I am keen that the second Tranche of FMP should prioritise those farm businesses within Less Favoured Areas where the ability to invest and modernise without assistance is more constrained. Farmers in these areas face permanent hardship as a result of poor agricultural conditions and we must do all that we can to ensure that farming communities in such harsh environments are not lost.

“However, I acknowledge that responses to our earlier equality screening exercise raised some concerns and I have therefore decided to proceed to a full Equality Impact Assessment.

“This will involve a consultation period which will run from 9 July until 3 September 2010. This will enable the scheme to open by early September, in sufficient time for farmers to receive payment in the current financial year 2010/11.

"Following this launch, and subject to affordability, I intend to bring forward a third tranche of Farm Modernisation and a further tranche of METS. Initial thinking on the third tranche of the Farm Modernisation Programme is that priority could be given to the degree of modernisation and young farmers. I am keen that work is progressed as quickly as possible. Discussions have already started with the UFU and I have asked my officials to commence consultation with other industry stakeholders.”

The consultation document is available on the DARD website.

Notes to editors:

1.The Farm Modernisation Programme is a small grants scheme providing financial support to farm businesses of up to 40% of the total eligible cost of the items of modernising plant machinery and equipment purchased. The Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) is a similar scheme providing small grants to encourage farmers to invest in advanced slurry and manure spreading systems.

2.Under the Northern Ireland Act 1998, DARD is required to carry out its functions while having due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between Section 75 groups. An Equality Impact Assessment (EQIA) is a thorough and systematic analysis of a policy in order to determine the extent of differential impact upon the relevant groups.

3.Between 8 March and 12 May 2010, DARD consulted upon a decision to ‘screen out’ the proposed additional selection criteria from the full EQIA process. However, as concerns were raised by some consultees, this decision has been reviewed and a full EQIA will now be undertaken.

4.All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440, and your call will be returned.

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