Less slurry storage in new plan
Increased farm investment grants have been announced to coincide with the submission of the programme to the European Commission.
Environment Minister Dick Roche said the European Commission has agreed to the reduced storage period in two counties, in recognition of their good water quality.
Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan said grant application forms will be made available as soon as the revised scheme is approved by the EU Commission. "Grant aid under the revised scheme will only be paid where prior written approval has been given by the Department. Any works undertaken prior to this approval will not be eligible for grant aid," she warned.
IFA president John Dillon welcomed increased grants in border counties, grant top-ups for young farmers, the increased investment limit, removal of income unit exclusion clauses, and the extension of grant aid to pig and poultry farmers for the first time in many years.
But he made it clear that the new nitrates action programme does not have the support of IFA.
An early derogation from the organic nitrogen restrictions is crucial, he said, for our best farmers.
ICMSA president Pat O'Rourke and Macra president Colm Markey called for a 70% grant across the country.
Mr Markey said the 10% top up should be available to all young trained farmers under 35, and they should be allowed build with expansion in mind.
* Increase in main waste management grant rate from 40% to 60% for approved works; 70% in Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan and Monaghan
* 10% top-up for young farmers in disadvantaged areas; 5% in other areas
* Increase in the overall individual maximum investment ceiling
* Removal of current 20 minimum income units, subject to independent certification of economic viability
* Extension of the scheme to the pig and poultry sectors.
