Gildernew extends closing date for applications to Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS)

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has extended the closing date for the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme (METS) until 4pm on Friday 21 January 2011.
~ Tuesday, 11 January 2011

The Scheme, which opened for applications on the 1 December 2010, will provide a total of £1.25million of financial support for specialised slurry spreading equipment. It is delivered under the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 and is open to applications from individual famers and collective groups.

Announcing the extension to the closing date, Minister Gildernew said: “Since METS opened we have endured the coldest December on record. I am conscious of the difficulties faced by farmers as a result of the severe weather and of the additional work it has generated for them. Coping with the consequences of this weather has demanded extra time and effort for tending to livestock and carrying out daily farming activities.

“Farmers are used to dealing with inclement weather but the severity of last month’s cold spell meant that they had to work very hard to make it business as usual. In some cases, this will have diverted attention from applying to the METS. In recognition of this, I am extending the closing date for applications until 4pm on Friday 21 January.

“Farmers interested in applying to the scheme should do so as soon as possible and allow themselves adequate time to complete the detail required on slurry volume and livestock numbers. This extension will not cause an undue delay in issuing Letters of Offer to successful applicants so that equipment can be purchased and operational for slurry spreading in the Spring.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Explanatory Booklet, and Application Form are available on line from the Delivery Agent, Countryside Agri-Rural Partnership Limited - Countryside Agri-Rural Partnership website.

And can also be accessed on the DARD website.

2. Hard copies of these documents are also available on request from Countryside Agri-Rural Partnership. Also, for any further technical queries farmers can contact:

Tel: 0845 026 7535. Fax: 028 8778 8200.
Email: mets@countrysiderural.co.uk

3. The scheme will provide financial support to farm businesses of up to 40% of the cost of eligible items purchased. Eligible items for grant aid are slurry tankers fitted with trailing shoe, trailing hose and shallow injector slurry spreading systems.

4. The grant available to each successful individual or collective application will be up to a maximum of £10,000. The total funding available for Tranche 2 is £1.25million.

5. All media queries should be directed to the DARD Press Office on 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715 440.