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Gildernew announces inspection timetable for remaining Farm Nutrient Management Scheme Claims

Thursday, 7 May 2009

Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has set out the schedule for inspecting the remainder of claims under the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS).

The Minister said: “At the end of December 2008 we had received 3,938 claims under FNMS. A quarter of these claims were received within the last days of the Scheme. All part payment advances which were requested have now been paid and I can reassure farmers that remaining balances will be paid as soon as they have passed inspection.

“I am very pleased overall with the progress that we are making in this area. Whilst we have paid out already some £88million in grant aid under FNMS I felt that it is much better to inform remaining farmers when they can expect their inspection.

“Repeat inspections can be avoided if farmers ensure what seem like minor and trivial snags are put right before the inspector arrives. We will be writing shortly to all those still to be inspected explaining in more detail what they need to watch out for”.

Inspection Schedule

Date FNMS claim received Expected date of inspection
1- 19 December 2008Before July 09
22 - 23 December 2008Before August 09
29 December 2008Before September 09
30 December 2008 Before October 09
31 December 2008Before November 09


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.
  2. EU State Aid approval for the FNMS requires that all claims must be paid by 31 December 2009.
  3. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 0769971 5440, and your call will be returned.