08/08/2005
Weather aid package to compensate farmers
Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker has announced a weather aid package worth £4.6 million to Northern Ireland farmers.
The aid will provide partial compensation for losses to production and increased costs during the bad weather in 2002.
Commenting on the package, the Minister said: "It has been a very challenging process to get to this point. To satisfy demanding State Aids Rules, we have had to demonstrate and quantify to the European Commission in great detail the extent to which losses actually occurred. This required strong supporting statistical evidence and it was only where this was available that a convincing case could be made.
"I am keen that administration of this scheme should be as simple as possible. For the most part, payments will be linked to 2002 Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) support schemes and milk quota records. Farmers will be provided with straightforward information to enable them to make their claims.
"For table potato producers, claims for compensation will have to be made on an individual basis and accompanied by supporting documentary evidence."
It is hoped to make the majority of payments by November 2005. Details of payment rates will be announced closer to the time.
(MB/SP)
The aid will provide partial compensation for losses to production and increased costs during the bad weather in 2002.
Commenting on the package, the Minister said: "It has been a very challenging process to get to this point. To satisfy demanding State Aids Rules, we have had to demonstrate and quantify to the European Commission in great detail the extent to which losses actually occurred. This required strong supporting statistical evidence and it was only where this was available that a convincing case could be made.
"I am keen that administration of this scheme should be as simple as possible. For the most part, payments will be linked to 2002 Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) support schemes and milk quota records. Farmers will be provided with straightforward information to enable them to make their claims.
"For table potato producers, claims for compensation will have to be made on an individual basis and accompanied by supporting documentary evidence."
It is hoped to make the majority of payments by November 2005. Details of payment rates will be announced closer to the time.
(MB/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
15 July 2005
Doherty calls for economic aid package after Adria job losses
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the Secretary of State Peter Hain to respond to economic aid package calls after 185 job losses were announced at the Adria textile factory in Strabane.
Doherty calls for economic aid package after Adria job losses
West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Pat Doherty has called on the Secretary of State Peter Hain to respond to economic aid package calls after 185 job losses were announced at the Adria textile factory in Strabane.
26 August 2002
Armstrong hits out at British government for failing farmers
Billy Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Mid-Ulster, and a member of the assembly agriculture committee has hit out at the Labour government for failing to aid farmers.
Armstrong hits out at British government for failing farmers
Billy Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Party MLA for Mid-Ulster, and a member of the assembly agriculture committee has hit out at the Labour government for failing to aid farmers.
02 October 2023
Vital Work Of Women's Aid NI At Risk Over Funding Cuts
The Ulster Unionist Party has met with Women's Aid Federation NI to discuss their concerns as their core funding from the Department of Health has ended as of 30 September. Party leader, Doug Beattie, held an urgent meeting with Chief Executive Officer Sarah Mason and Regional Services Manager Sonya McMullan.
Vital Work Of Women's Aid NI At Risk Over Funding Cuts
The Ulster Unionist Party has met with Women's Aid Federation NI to discuss their concerns as their core funding from the Department of Health has ended as of 30 September. Party leader, Doug Beattie, held an urgent meeting with Chief Executive Officer Sarah Mason and Regional Services Manager Sonya McMullan.
14 December 2022
Cold Weather Payments Extended To 12 More Post Code Areas
The Department for Communities has announced that the Cold Weather Payments have been extended to 12 more postcode areas bringing the total number of areas affected over the past week to 31.
Cold Weather Payments Extended To 12 More Post Code Areas
The Department for Communities has announced that the Cold Weather Payments have been extended to 12 more postcode areas bringing the total number of areas affected over the past week to 31.
28 March 2013
Emergency Aid Delivered To Farmers
The NI assembly agricultural committee is to hold an emergency meeting to look at the damage caused to farms due to the heavy snow. Two RAF Chinooks and two helicopters from the Air Corps are delivering emergency aid to farmers.
Emergency Aid Delivered To Farmers
The NI assembly agricultural committee is to hold an emergency meeting to look at the damage caused to farms due to the heavy snow. Two RAF Chinooks and two helicopters from the Air Corps are delivering emergency aid to farmers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.