Further to the announcement in June by Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA that she had secured additional funding cover for the FNMS, the Department has been pressing ahead with approving applications and has progressed a tranche of almost 800 applications.
A second tranche of inspections will start on 3 September and will cover 1000 FNMS applications received in the period 20-29 March 2006. The Department aims to progress as many pre-approval inspections of these, as soon as possible and to issue the corresponding approvals by end of November 2007. At that stage the third, and final, tranche will be considered for inspection.
As for the previous tranche, applicants will have an early initial contact by a DARD Inspector or CAFRE Advisor either to determine a suitable date to complete a pre-approval inspection or to establish what additional information is required prior to that inspection.
Farmers who applied during the period from 20 - 29 March 2006, should ensure that they have, or seek, any necessary approvals from DOE Planning, NIE or the Environment and Heritage Service as soon as possible. These matters continue to be key factors in delaying the approval process.
Any FNMS applicant who wishes to withdraw their application can do so. The Department asks such applicants to advise their local County Agricultural Office. An applicant may reduce the storage capacity for which they applied providing that the revised capacity meets the minimum requirement. For cattle that minimum is 22 weeks.
To meet the EU deadline of 31 December 2008 for getting work done, the Department is giving inspection priority over the next seven months, to processing approvals. As a consequence there may be a delay in inspecting claims for grant payment under the Scheme. Farmers are advised to allow for such a delay in making their financial arrangements.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. On 12 June 2007, Michelle Gildernew announced a new nitrates funding plan. This press release is available at:
http://www.northernireland.gov.uk/news/news-dard/news-dard-120607-gildernew-announces-new.htm
2. DARD plans to process the remaining 2,000 applications in two tranches of 1000 and 1000. The objective is to issue remaining approvals by end-March 2008.
3. Media queries to DARD Press Office 028 9052 4619. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
