30/09/2003

Farmers' grants scheme gets revamp

Government grants to help farmers meet the cost of environmental protection controls on storing and spreading manure are to be revamped.

Ministers have responded to European Commission requirements by making changes to the Farm Waste Grant Scheme, worth more than £7.6 million over the next two years, which assists farmers in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) to buy new or better manure or slurry storage facilities.

NVZs are areas at particular risk of being damaged by nitrates from fertilisers and the spreading of livestock manures. The scheme will now run until 31 March 2006, after which it will end permanently in all current NVZs.

Farmers must in future get Defra approval before starting work. Until now claims for grants have been considered after work has been completed.

New deadlines have been set for grant applications.

In the event that bids for grants exceed the total amount available, applications will be judged on a points system based on environmental benefits. Farmers must back up grant applications with information on business viability and farm management experience or agricultural qualifications.

Grants are available at 40% of eligible expenditure, up to a top limit of £85,000.

Application forms and scheme details are available from the East Midlands Rural Development Service (tel 0115 929 1191) or online at www.defra.gov.uk

(gmcg)

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