Farm Modernisation Programme
What is the Farm Modernisation Programme?
The Programme aims to contribute to the competitiveness of agricultural and horticultural farm business in Northern Ireland. This will be achieved by providing financial support to existing farm businesses to improve the overall performance of their farm through modernisation under six key priority investment areas:
- Introduction of new technologies and innovation;
- Improved animal health and welfare;
- Increased hygiene control and product storage;
- Enhanced occupational safety and business efficiency;
- Increased energy efficiency; and
- Enhanced environmental status.
The enhanced environmental status investment area includes a Manure Efficiency Technology Sub Programme (METS), which aims to encourage uptake of specific advanced slurry spreading distribution systems, thereby achieving greater nutrient efficiency from manures and slurry.
Who can apply?
Agricultural and horticultural farm businesses that have a Category 1 DARD Farm Business Identification number are eligible to apply.
- Please note that the call for applications to Tranche 1 of the Farm Modernisation Programme closed at 4.00pm on Tuesday 31 March 2009. Any applications received after the closure deadline will not be processed.
What can the Programme fund?
The programme will provide financial support towards the purchase of new items of plant, machinery and equipment from a pre-defined list of eligible items.
- The amount of financial payable will be 40% of the eligible invoiced purchase cost of the item up to the maximum amount payable for an individual item. The maximum support payable per farm business will be capped at £5,000 for the main Farm Modernisation Programme.
- The maximum support payable for items purchased under the Manure Efficiency Sub Programme (METS) will be capped at £10,000 per farm business.
The Farm Modernisation Programme is part funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Related Press Articles
