Gildernew confirms Closure Date for Farm Nutrient Management Scheme

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Michelle Gildernew MP, MLA has confirmed that the Farm Nutrient Management Scheme (FNMS) will close at the end of December.

The Minister said: “I fully recognise that the deadline of 31 December 2008 creates difficulties for those who still have works to complete under the FNMS.

“Since March 2008, I have had ongoing discussions with the EU Commission about this deadline. I spoke with Commissioner Fischer Boel last week and highlighted how the exceptionally wet weather has hampered progress for farmers in the Scheme.

“The Commission insists they have no legal scope under Community Legislation to allow a general extension of the Scheme beyond December 2008. Therefore, the FNMS will close on 31 December 2008.”

Calling on all those who have completed FNMS works to submit their claims as soon as possible and benefit from the recently introduced part payment facility, the Minister continued: “Anyone who has completed their works should submit a claim as soon as possible. If work is finished, don’t leave it until the deadline; claims will be processed in the order that they are received so the sooner we receive it, the sooner grants will be paid out.

"Before December we will be writing to all applicants who have not yet submitted claims with closure procedures and details on how they should submit their claim.”

The Minister concluded by saying: “Anyone who has applied to the FNMS and whose works are unfinished or not yet started, should urgently assess their options to meet the slurry storage requirement of the Nitrates Action Programme Regulations. Breaches may lead to penalties across a range of other payments.”

Anyone who has a FNMS approval but has decided not to progress their application should get in touch with the team in Orchard House on 028 7131 9900 to let them know.

Notes to Editors

1. The 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 works are completed and claims submitted by 31 December 2008.
3. The FNMS received 4,891 applications when it closed for applications on 31 March 2006. Currently some 4,200 applications are being progressed. 1,620 claims for payment have been received, of which 1,375 have been paid amounting to £42.8million.
4. The Nitrates Action Programme Regulations require most livestock farms to have a minimum livestock manure storage capacity of 22 weeks, while pig and poultry farms require 26 weeks capacity. Farmers have until 31 December 2008 to have this required storage capacity in place.
5. All media enquiries to DARD Press Office, telephone 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.