Cash boost for Mid-Ulster farmers

Farmers in Mid-Ulster can benefit from a grant programme.

The scheme will assist toward purchasing or upgrading new equipment or machinery.

The objective of the scheme is to improve the sustainability of farms.

Ulster Unionist Councillor Mark Glasgow is from a farming family.

He’s encouraging all farmers to apply...

Also calling for agricultural families to apply, is Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid Ulster, Sandra Overend.

The scheme, which has now opened, supports on-farm investment projects costing £5,000 and above.

Mrs Overend says: “I would encourage local farmers to consider making an application to the scheme, which will provide 40% of eligible costs for qualifying equipment and machinery.

“This is a significant opportunity for the farming sector, which has suffered considerable financial challenges in recent times. Indeed, the Agriculture Minister worryingly revealed recently that borrowing by farm businesses has greatly increased over the last five years, which is reflective of the pressures faced by the industry, so any financial assistance to our farmers is to be welcomed,” she explains.

This is a two tiered scheme, with Tier 1 aimed at the purchase of off-the-shelf equipment and machinery costing from £5,000-£30,000, and Tier 2 for primarily for construction projects costing more that £30,000, up to a maximum grant of £250,000. This year there is a focus on improving farm safety and sustainability, with a points based selection criteria.

“Tier 1 of the scheme has opened, and applications are to be submitted by 4pm on Friday 16 December, whilst Tier 2 will be open for applications from Monday 19 December 2016 – Friday 24 February 2017.

A roadshow will take place at the Loughrey CAFRE campus on Wednesday (9 November, from 1pm-9pm) Short presentations on various aspects of the scheme, and an opportunity for questions, will take place at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm and 7.30pm.