Gildernew provides Farm Nutrient Management scheme payment progress update

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has announced that just over £100million has now been paid out in grant aid under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) to date.

Detailing the latest FNMS figures, the Minister said: “Good progress has been made to date in completing remaining inspections in line with DARD’s recently published inspection timetable.

“But I want to also remind those farmers, who have yet to be inspected to please ensure that all outstanding issues, however minor are resolved well ahead of their inspections. To help farmers ensure that they are fully prepared for inspections we are providing them with a checklist in readiness for their inspection.

“ I want to see as many farmers as possible avoid the situation where there has to be a repeat inspection , as this would of course further delay the payment of their claims."

The Minister concluded: “The end is almost in sight for successful completion of FNMS and it is in all our interests to avoid any further delays in its roll-out.”

Notes to Editors:

1. The Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) provides capital grant support to farmers for investment in slurry and manure storage facilities. It is the key support measure to help farmers comply with the EU Nitrates Directive. The Department had received 3938 claims when the scheme closed on 31 December 2008.
2. EU State Aid approval for the FNMS requires that all claims must be paid by 31 December 2009.
3. Press release 085/09 dated 7 May 2009 set out the Department’s Inspection Schedule for remaining FNMS claims. There are currently some 870 inspections still to be completed.
4. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.