Clarke welcomes re-opening of the Farm Modernisation Programme

Alliance Newcastle Councillor Patrick Clarke has welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development about the re-opening of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) for applications from Tuesday 4 September 2012. The Modernisation of Agricultural Holdings is a key measure included under Axis 1 of the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2007-2013. The Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) is funded under this measure by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).

Councillor Patrick Clarke stated: “I welcome the re-opening of the Farm Modernisation Programme (FMP) and would encourage farmers to avail of this programme which is open from 4th September and will close for applications on 19th October 2012.

“Financial support to successful farmers will be made available at up to 40% of the eligible costs of their project capped at a total of £4,000 per farm business over the lifetime of the FMP.

“Under the Farm Modernisation Programme, financial support is provided towards a list of eligible modernising items of plant, machinery and equipment across a range of farming sectors and I would encourage farmers to contact DARD or log onto www.dardni.gov.uk for further information.

“Tranche 3 will provide a further £5.5million of financial support to farm businesses to modernise their farms with the application process for FMP being very straight forward and simple for eligible farmers to apply”.

ENDS