McIlveen promotes business plan training for Farm Business Improvement Scheme
Date published:
Agriculture Minister Michelle McIlveen has announced a new training programme for farmers and growers applying for Tier 2 of the new Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital in Tranche 1.
Tier 2 is primarily for construction projects and the purchase of higher value equipment to support sustainable growth in the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
The Minister said: “Given the scale of investment applicants must support their project proposal with a robust business plan so we are providing training to enable people to complete this element of their application.
“The business plan must provide important information about the project costs, economic objectives and financial projections that will be assessed against the FBIS-C scheme objectives.”
Applicants can only use the DAERA templates consisting of a narrative section and Cashflow Calculator.
The Minister continued: “I would encourage farmers and growers who have started to gather information for their project and intend to apply in Tranche 1, to sign up for this training by registering their interest through the DAERA website. These training courses will be available from mid January at each of the CAFRE Campuses and must be pre-booked.”
The business plan training on offer will consist of two sessions focusing on the Business Plan Narrative and Cash Flow Calculator Tool respectively. Applicants are not required to complete this training but it would be recommended.
Ms McIlveen added: “Given the potential scale of investment for Tier 2 projects, I want applicants to think carefully about their projects and attending this training will help them do that. Further training courses will be provided later in 2017 for those interested in applying for the next Tranche.”
The deadline for Tier 2 applications is 4.00pm on 24 February 2017. Farmers and growers are encouraged to open an application and commence upload of essential documents before then.
To register for the training, seek information on the steps involved in completing an application and access the tools to help, visit the DAERA website . Support 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 £30,001 - unlimited at 40% grant rate (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 Farmsafenet .
farmsafenet . 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 Tier2 of the Scheme. As banks will need sufficient time to consider project proposals, this part of the application should be commences as soon as possible. It can be found at DAERA Forms.
8. Further information can be found in the Contact section of the Farm Business Improvement Scheme – Capital Scheme webpages
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. 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. Follow us on Twitter.