Tough rules for new NI scheme

NORTHERN IRISH farmers are concerned at some of the conditions in the new Farm Nutrient Management Scheme announced this week (w/e Dec 17).

The new grant programme is due to open for applications on Jan 26, 2005 and will provide 40% funding (possibly rising to 60%) towards the cost of investing in slurry storage and other pollution control measures on farms.

But a condition attached is that new storage facilities must have a minimum capacity of 22 weeks for cattle slurry, or 26 weeks for pig and poultry manure.

Ulster Farmers‘ Union president Campbell Tweed said this implied that the Nitrates Action Programme, due to be launched later next year, could contain a similar requirement.