Published: Thursday, 11th March, 2010 9:00am

Scheme proceeds

Agriculture Minister, Michelle Gildernew says she is determined to proceed with the Farm Modernisation Programme without delay despite opposition to its contents from MLAs during a debate at Stormont this week.

She was speaking after a No Day Named Motion in the Assembly which called for her to bring forward fair and practical criteria for the implementation of the Programme. She said, "I am disappointed that some opposition remains from various parties in the Assembly against my attempts to help modernise the farming industry. Tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation Programme provides a very real opportunity to help us achieve this objective.

"It is my firm belief that the proposed criteria, which I announced on February 23, is the best way to take Tranche 2 of the FMP forward. I have taken the opportunity to re-iterate my rationale for my criteria and explain any concerns which my MLA colleagues raised during the debate."

Turning to the criteria, the Minister stated: "As I have said before, it is my intention to target disadvantage by bringing forward a Programme which focuses on those farmers suffering hardship within the LFA areas. My decision on the criteria for Tranche 2 of the FMP represents a good deal for young farmers and a good opportunity for promoting e-technology. It also offers a fair and practical way of assisting those farmers most affected by challenging agricultural circumstances."

She added: "Over 70% of all agricultural land in the north of Ireland is within the LFA areas. These farm businesses need practical help, which this scheme can provide, by offering grant aid for a wide range of useful items of kit and equipment.

"Eligible items, which will be banded according to their degree of modernisation will not be decided upon solely by my officials, but will be subject to consultation with Industry representatives. A meeting to discuss the banding of the items, has been convened for that purpose, and will take place within the next two weeks. I am determined to open this Programme in the late spring and to make sure that farmers can apply to it without undue fuss, and without the need to queue."

Tom Elliott, the Ulster Unionist Party's spokesman on Agriculture and Rural Development, has said that the delivery of tranche 2 of the Farm Modernisation scheme must be "based on consultation, well informed and effective in terms of delivery if it is to truly help the rural community move forward." He was speaking after his motion about the topic was passed in the Assembly chamber on Monday."

"The Minister has confirmed that the eligible items that will be available through the scheme will be open for public consultation. I am also calling for her to open the criteria that will be used for consultation."

The UFU said they were disappointed that there was no commitment to re-examine either the scoring mechanism or the number of criteria which in their view were essential pre-requisites to deliver equity of opportunity for farmers to access the funding.