This new agri-environment scheme rewards farmers and landowners for adopting farming practices that deliver on issues such as protecting biodiversity, improving water quality and tackling climate change.
A spokesperson said: “This is a tremendous response from farmers and the land owning community and is a demonstration of the desire to improve the environment for the future. Unfortunately due to budgetary constraints not all of those who applied will be admitted into the scheme. So entry will be prioritised to achieve the greatest environmental benefit.”
For example, farms with designated areas reflecting the most important environmental sites such as Natura 2000/ASSI, will be considered to be the highest priority. Other factors, including whether an applicant is currently within an agri-environment agreement and the length of time in agreement will also been taken into account.
The spokesperson continued: “If you applied to NICMS, DARD will write to you explaining how your application will be dealt with if it is not possible to progress it for the current application period. DARD will progress as many scheme agreements as possible within the budget of the current period.
“Successful NICMS agreements for this application period will commence on the 1 January 2009.
“It is anticipated that NICMS will open for applications again during spring / early summer 2009. Those people who have made an application during 2008 will be contacted to enquire if they wish to have their application re-submitted. All applications during this period will again be subject to agreed selection criteria.”
Notes to Editors:
All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, tel: 028 9052 4619. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
