McIlveen opens application window for Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme - Capital

Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen has reminded farmers that they can now submit their application for Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital.

The Minister said: “I am pleased to announce that my Department is now accepting applications for Tier 2 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme. It will provide grant support to farmers who are ready to make a significant investment to transform their farm business.”

The focus of Tier 2 is on transformational investment in projects costing in excess of £30,000. Funding is provided at a grant rate of 40% of eligible costs, with £250,000 the maximum grant available under the scheme. 

The Minister continued: “I would remind farmers that the focus of Tier 2 is on larger-scale investment, to support sustainable growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors. Given the scale of investment involved, I want to encourage farmers to plan their projects carefully. It is aimed at those who have developed a robust business plan.

“I encourage all potential applicants for Tier 2 to visit the DAERA website before embarking on this application process. They should familiarise themselves with the steps involved in completing a Tier 2 application and the tools that are available to help.”

Tier 2 applicants must propose their projects through a business plan which will be assessed against the following key themes: contribution to sustainable growth; environment, weather resistance and climate change; animal and plant health; occupational health and safety; and production and resource efficiency. 

Completed Tier 2 applications can be submitted until the application window closes at 4.00pm on 24 February 2017. 

Tier 1 of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital closed on Friday, December 16. Over 3,500 applications were received for this portion of the scheme, with funding of £7.5million available for tranche 1. Letters of offer are due to begin issuing at the end of January.

The Minister added: “I am delighted at the great response we have had to Tier 1, and by the enthusiasm our farmers and growers have shown to further develop their businesses.

“I am particularly pleased that over 98% of applications were submitted online. Also, it is encouraging that so many took the opportunity to complete farm safety assessments. These were not only an essential part of the application process, but a practical way for farmers to be aware of safety on their premises.”

For those considering applying for Tier 2, information and tools are available on the DAERA website. They will assist potential applicants in examining the viability of potential projects. Help is also available by email at tier2@daera-ni.gov.uk or via the Helpline at 0845 026 7535. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The focus of Tier 2 is on larger-scale investment to encourage a step change in the agriculture and horticulture sectors, and to drive transformational investment in future proofed, fit-for-purpose, modern infrastructure and equipment, guided by a robust business planning process within assisted farms.
2. Applications for Tier 2, Tranche 1 of the FBIS – Capital Scheme are accepted from 4.00pm on the 19 December 2016 and the closing date for receipt of applications is 4.00pm on 24 February 2017. 
3. Tier 2 is for projects costing from £30,000 - unlimited (with £250,000 maximum grant for the FBIS Capital overall) and is primarily for construction projects and the purchase of higher value equipment linked to the needs in the farmer’s business plan.
4. Applicants to Tier 2 will be required to submit a separate robust, viable and sustainable business plan as part of their application, which shows that they have carefully planned their investment and what difference the proposed project will make in transforming their farm into a more sustainable, efficient and safer business.
5. Advice on the application process for Tier 2 applications to Tranche 1 of the FBIS – Capital Scheme is available on the DAERA website.
6. All Tier 2 applicants need to ensure they have completed the ‘Making it Safer’ self assessment certificate and submit it with their application form.  This tool will allow farmers to carry out a simple risk assessment and it will help them manage their farm in such a way that it is safer for themselves, their families and employees.  The ‘Making it Safer’ online Health and Safety tool can be found at the FarmSafeNet website.  A link to this tool can be found at the quick links section of the DAERA homepage. Farmers are also encouraged to complete the online FarmSafe Awareness module.
7. The DAERA Indication of Support template letter or ‘bank letter’ is a key requirement for both tiers of the Scheme. It can be found at the DAERA website.
8. Further information can be found in the Contact section of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital Scheme webpages at the DAERA website.
9. For Tier 2 specific queries, help is also available by email at tier2@daera-ni.gov.uk or via the Helpline at 0845 026 7535.
10. Follow us on Twitter at: @daera_ni
11. All media queries should be directed to the DAERA Press Office on 028 9052 4619 or email DAERA Press Office: pressoffice.group@daera-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

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