Farmyard projects unlikely to go ahead
Escalation in construction costs and difficulties in getting suitable building contractors in some areas are thought to be the main reasons why up to one-third may not go ahead. By April, only about 13,500 grant-approved jobs had been completed, and the grants paid out, from a total of about 48,000 applications from farmers seeking to upgrade their yards and facilities, 38,000 of whom had got approval. Farmers have to complete construction and grant approval procedures before December 31 next.
Two weeks ago, the Department of Agriculture contacted all those approved for grant aid who had not confirmed that work had commenced. The response rate has been slow, indicating that many of the applicants may have had a change of heart.
