Introduction to the Scheme
The Capital Scheme has two separate tiers – Tier 1 and Tier 2. The grant rate of funding for both tiers in the Scheme is up to 40% of eligible costs. Two tranches of the Scheme are planned in the initial phase.
Tier 1
Please note that Tranche 2 of Tier 1 closed for applications on 2 February 2018.
The objective of Tier 1 is to improve the sustainability of farms in Northern Ireland. It will provide support for farmers and growers to invest in equipment and machinery that will help realise improvements in efficiency, environmental practice, animal health and welfare, and health and safety, associated with modern farming practices.
Tier 1 is for projects costing from £5,000 - £30,000 (eligible costs) and is primarily aimed at the purchase of off the shelf equipment and machinery.
Tier 2
Please note that Tranche 1 of Tier 2 closed for applications on 10 March 2017.
Please also note that the date by which associated planning permissions must be obtained for Tier 2 construction projects has been extended beyond 31 May 2017. An end date for receipt of planning permission approvals for Tier 2, Tranche 1 applications will soon be confirmed.
Ineligible items/projects
Some items/areas will be ineligible for grant support through the Capital Scheme, such as:
- like for like replacement or maintenance;
- consumables such as feed, fuel or spray;
- investments relating to non-agricultural animals and
- items that meet existing statutory requirements such as minimum slurry storage.
Further information on ineligible items
Additional information
Additional information will be placed on the DAERA website as it becomes available.
Government Gateway login details
You will need a Government Gateway ID to access some of the DAERA online services. If you do not already have one, guidance on how to apply for a Government Gateway ID to access DAERA online services is available at the link below:
‘Making it Safer’ risk assessment
All applicants to both tiers of the Scheme must complete the FarmSafeNet ‘Making it Safer’ risk assessment certificate where the applicant will be required to answer questions relating to their own farm on Slurry, Animals, Falls and Equipment (SAFE).
This is an online tool developed by the Farm Safety Partnership and it is available at the link below. A certificate will be issued on completion.
Educational Attainment - Level II Eligible Qualifications
A list of agriculture and horticulture qualifications, eligible to attrack marks under the 'Educational Attainment' selection criterion for the Farm Business Improvement Scheme (FBIS) – Capital can be found at the link below:
- Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital Educational Attainment - Level II Eligible Qualifications
This also details those qualifications that are not eligible to attract marks under the educational attainment selection criterion.
Contact
If you have a query or wish to contact us about the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital Scheme, please follow the instructions at the link below: