1,250 farmers get modernisation grants

More than 1,250 farmers have been approved for grants in the first tranche of targeted agricultural modernisation schemes.

Closing dates were in 2010 and 2011.

The number of approvals issued were 635 for dairy equipment (364 have been paid); 611 for sheep fencing/handling (151 paid); nine for sow welfare (three paid); three for poultry welfare (three paid); two for rain- water harvesting (one paid).